Gov. Jim Doyle vetoed Assembly Bill 207 Friday, rejecting legislation that would allow medical professionals to refuse to perform procedures conflicting with their personal beliefs.
The governor said his veto safeguards \the best interests of patients,"" noting that the bill would not require health-care professionals refusing a procedure to refer patients elsewhere or advise them of treatment options.
""The bill would allow a doctor to put his or her political beliefs ahead of the patient's medical best interests. That is simply unconscionable,"" Doyle said in a statement.
The governor also said his veto helps preserve equal access to the health-care system for all women, noting the bill could negatively impact women in rural areas.
""It is hard enough for many people in those areas to get the health care they need,"" Doyle said in a statement. ""This bill will make it even tougher.""
State Rep. Jean Hundermark, R-Clintonville, said she was disappointed by the veto and that the bill would have protected health care providers.
""I just don't see how it is unreasonable to protect health care professionals from discrimination for refusing to participate in the destruction of human life,"" Hundermark said in a statement. ""The bill has nothing to do with the health of the patient, but it has everything to do with destroying human life.""
Kelda Helen Roys, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin, thanked Doyle for the veto and not allowing women's ""health to be jeopardized by the personal whims of unethical practitioners.""
""Republican legislators are out of touch??-their attacks on basic health care, like birth control and disease prevention, will only hurt citizens across the state,"" Roys said.
