Washington, DC—Today, American Atheists submitted testimony opposing the Department of Health and Human Services’ Affordable Care Act 1557 proposed rule that would exacerbate discrimination in government-funded health care.

This proposed rule creates broad and unjustifiable religious exemptions that allow hospitals and medical professionals to deny care to some of the most vulnerable patients, including women and LGBTQ Americans.

“Adding a religious exemption opens the door for discrimination and emboldens health care providers to deny patients care, threatening the health and well-being of millions of patients,” said Alison Gill, American Atheists’ Vice President for Legal and Policy.

“American Atheists urges the Department of Health and Human Services to withdraw the proposed rule in its entirety,” she wrote.