Should Healthcare Workers be Forced to Compromise Their Faith?

Last Thursday, Protecting Texas Children President Vanessa Sivadge was a special guest on Texas Values Report with Jonathan Saenz.

Vanessa was on the show to discuss the importance of passing SB 619 and her testimony on its behalf. SB 619, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Sparks, protects medical professionals who want to practice according to their faith. Vanessa stated that professionals should be supported and rewarded for their commitment to their principles and emphasized the value of having doctors and nurses who do not check their beliefs at the door and are brave enough to speak out on the patient’s behalf.

This legislation would impact hundreds of thousands of people in Texas. The healthcare industry is the largest employment sector, with 1.5 million jobs. In Houston Medical Center alone, 100,000 people are employed, and these professionals should not have to compromise their religious beliefs in order to practice healthcare.

Vanessa reminded viewers that weeks before she exposed the Medicaid fraud and abuses in the hospital where she worked as a nurse, she submitted a religious accommodation request. The hospital ignored Vanessa’s request to be transferred to a different department.

As a nurse, Vanessa knew that it was not uncommon for people to apply for religious exceptions. However, she was ultimately fired. Vanessa reminded viewers that the firing was retaliatory and discriminatory against her deeply held Christian beliefs.

During her emotional testimony at the Capitol, Vanessa stated that no one should have to choose between their conscience and their career or compromise their faith.

Vanessa pointed out that many people do not have the luxury of quitting, but we have to trust in God. She remarked, “He rewards those who are obedient.” Vanessa is grateful for her new opportunity to advocate for children across the state as President of Protecting Texas Children.

Due to her presence at the Capitol throughout this session, Vanessa is gaining recognition and building confidence in her supporters. She reminds the audience that “government belongs to those who show up.”