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 new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division.
Click here to view the January 18, 2018 announcement of the new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division at HHS.
HHS enforces federal laws that protect conscience and the free exercise of religion and prohibit coercion and discrimination in health and human services.
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.
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.
