Click here to view the January 18, 2018 announcement of the new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division at HHS.
Click here to learn how HHS OCR protects and enforces all of your civil rights in health and human services in its three divisions, including in the Conscience and Religious Freedom Division.
HHS published its 2018 accomplishments, which includes the work of OCR in protecting conscience and life.
OCR issues a Notice of Resolution to the State of Hawaii after Hawaii takes action in safeguarding conscience protections for pregnancy care centers.
OCR has issued a notice of violation to the state of California formally notifying it that it cannot impose universal abortion coverage mandates on health insurance plans.
Conscience Protections
OCR enforces laws and regulations that protect conscience and prohibit coercion on issues such as abortion and assisted suicide (among others) in HHS-funded or conducted programs and activities.
Religious Freedom
OCR enforces laws and regulations that protect the free exercise of religion and prohibit discrimination in HHS-funded or conducted programs and activities.
Other Languages
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Filing a Complaint
You may file a conscience or religious freedom complaint with OCR if you feel a health care provider or government agency coerced or discriminated against you (or someone else) unlawfully.
Newsroom
Read the latest news releases and bulletins.
Civil Rights
HHS ensures that people have equal access and opportunities to participate in certain health care and human services programs without unlawful discrimination.
HIPAA - Health Information Privacy
Find guidance and more information about the HIPAA Privacy Rule, including what information is protected and how health information is used and disclosed.
Office for Civil Rights
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) ensures equal access to certain health and human services and protects the privacy and security of health information.
