Blossom Dodge

My name is Blossom Dodge, a lifelong resident of NH, and I am writing to strongly oppose HB232, which would grant healthcare providers the right to conscientiously object to participating in abortion, sterilization, or artificial contraception services, while also preventing healthcare employers from taking any action against providers who refuse to participate. This legislation is a dangerous overreach that prioritizes personal beliefs over patient rights and access to essential healthcare services. At its core, this bill threatens the ability of patients—especially women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those in underserved areas—to access timely and necessary medical care. When a healthcare provider refuses to offer services such as abortion, sterilization, or contraception, they are not simply exercising personal conscience; they are actively denying patients their right to comprehensive healthcare. This bill would allow healthcare professionals to dictate the terms of care based on ideology rather than medical necessity, potentially leaving patients without options or forcing them to seek care elsewhere—if it is even available. Moreover, this legislation undermines the integrity of the healthcare system. Medical professionals take an oath to serve patients with compassion and evidence-based care, not to impose personal moral judgments on those seeking treatment. If a provider is unwilling to offer certain legal and medically necessary services, they should reconsider their role in a field that requires them to prioritize patient well-being over personal beliefs. Patients should not have to bear the burden of navigating a system where healthcare is selectively provided based on an individual provider’s conscience rather than standard medical ethics. The bill also creates a dangerous precedent by restricting healthcare employers from ensuring that patient care remains consistent and accessible. If a significant number of providers at a hospital or clinic refuse to provide essential services, it could create major disruptions in care, disproportionately harming marginalized and low-income individuals who may not have the resources to seek alternatives. Employers must have the ability to ensure that their staff is meeting the needs of the community they serve without being hindered by legislation that allows for unchecked refusals of care. New Hampshire has a long-standing commitment to individual freedoms and personal responsibility, but those principles should not come at the cost of patient access to healthcare. This bill does not protect freedom—it weaponizes personal beliefs to deny others their rights. I urge you to reject this dangerous legislation and instead support policies that ensure all Granite Staters receive the care they need, when they need it, without ideological interference. Thank you for your time and consideration.