WI Governor Vetoes Bill Allowing Doctors Religious Objections

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today reports that Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle on Friday vetoed for the second time a bill that would have protected physicians, nurses and other medical professionals who refuse on moral or religious grounds to participate in medical procedures such as assisted suicide, euthanasia and the destruction of human embryos. The bill, A.B. 207, contained no exception for cases in which the patient’s health or life is in danger. Also there were no provisions to require the health care professional to advise patients of treatment options or to provide a referral for the patient. In his veto message, the Governor expressed special concern about the impact the bill would have in rural areas and said that the bill would put the political views of doctors ahead of the best interests of patients.