Doctors Can Refuse LGBTQ+ Patients in Some States

Religious exemption laws lead to drops in HIV testing and other health concerns

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:48am

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An extreme close-up X-ray photograph showing the intricate internal structure of a human heart, rendered in ghostly translucent shades of gray, conceptually representing the critical importance of healthcare access.Discriminatory healthcare policies put LGBTQ+ lives at risk by limiting access to vital preventative services.Key Biscayne Today

An increasing number of state laws are allowing healthcare providers to refuse treatment to LGBTQ+ patients on religious grounds, leading to concerning drops in HIV testing and other health services for the LGBTQ+ community.

Why it matters

These religious exemption laws undermine access to essential healthcare and disproportionately impact the LGBTQ+ community's wellbeing, potentially leading to worse health outcomes and exacerbating existing disparities.

The details

The laws allow healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, to deny care to LGBTQ+ patients if providing that care would violate their religious or moral beliefs. This has resulted in fewer LGBTQ+ people seeking routine preventative care, such as HIV testing, out of fear of being turned away.

  • In 2022, Florida passed a law allowing healthcare providers to refuse treatment to LGBTQ+ patients.
  • Similar laws have been enacted in several other states, including Texas, Mississippi, and South Dakota, since 2020.

The players

Florida

A state that passed a law in 2022 allowing healthcare providers to refuse treatment to LGBTQ+ patients on religious grounds.

Texas, Mississippi, South Dakota

States that have also enacted similar religious exemption laws since 2020, allowing healthcare providers to deny care to LGBTQ+ patients.

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What they’re saying

“These laws are a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community's ability to access essential healthcare services. They put lives at risk and perpetuate harmful discrimination.”

— Equality Florida, LGBTQ+ advocacy organization

What’s next

Advocacy groups are working to challenge these religious exemption laws in court, arguing they violate federal non-discrimination laws and the Constitution's guarantee of equal protection.

The takeaway

The proliferation of religious exemption laws across the country is a concerning trend that threatens the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals, underscoring the need for stronger legal protections against healthcare discrimination.