Summary
Federal officials are looking into the University of Michigan Health system after a former worker said she was fired for asking not to provide gender-affirming care due to her religious beliefs. This investigation is part of a larger effort by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address religious freedom in healthcare settings. It involves looking at how health workers can refuse to offer certain types of care based on their beliefs.
Key Facts
- The Department of Health and Human Services is investigating the University of Michigan Health system.
- A former employee, Valerie Kloosterman, claims she was fired for seeking a religious exemption from gender-affirming care.
- This case is part of a broader series of investigations by HHS into religious protections for health workers.
- The Church Amendments are federal laws that protect healthcare workers' rights to refuse certain medical procedures based on conscience or religious beliefs.
- The investigation includes other cases involving ultrasound technicians and a nurse who had religious objections to certain types of care.
- HHS launched these investigations after similar efforts by the Trump administration were halted by federal courts.
- Valerie Kloosterman worked as a physician assistant at the University of Michigan Health-West.
- The HHS spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
