Senator Cynthia Lummis heard reports of Americans denied certain medical procedures if they are not vaccinated against COVID-19 and wants the federal government to take a financial stand.
U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) joined Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) in introducing the COVID-19 Vaccination Non-Discrimination Act to ensure that people in Wyoming receive the best health care possible if they have not received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Lummis cosponsored this bill after reports surfaced that healthcare facilities are denying patients lifesaving treatments, such as organ transplants if they are not vaccinated against COVID-19. The legislation will prohibit federal taxpayer dollars from supporting healthcare facilities that deny care to patients based on their COVID-19 vaccination status.
“The decision to receive the COVID-19 vaccine is a personal decision, one every individual in Wyoming should be able to make for themselves,” said Senator Lummis. “That personal decision should not dictate whether or not one has access to, oftentimes, lifesaving health care. Institutions, like medical facilities, that receive federal funding have no reason to deny care to the people of Wyoming solely based on their personal choice to get vaccinated. I am happy to join Senator Rand Paul in his effort to ensure that freedom to people in Wyoming.”
Wyoming has one of the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the country.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has urged physicians to refrain from denying care to patients based on vaccination status. If healthcare providers continue to deny care to those unvaccinated for COVID-19, thousands of Wyoming patients could be at risk of being denied emergency services, such as organ transplants.
