OCR issues a Final Conscience Rule protecting individuals and health care entities from discrimination on the basis of their exercise of conscience in HHS-funded programs.
OCR issues a Notice of Resolution to the State of Hawaii after Hawaii takes action in safeguarding conscience protections for pregnancy care centers.
HHS published its 2018 accomplishments, which includes the work of OCR in protecting conscience and life.
OCR finds the State of California violated federal law in discriminating against pregnancy resource centers.
Click here to view the January 18, 2018 announcement of the new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division at HHS.
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.
