The administration of President Joe Biden acted last month to mostly rescind a Trump-era Denial of Care Rule that invited health care workers to deny medical treatment and services to patients because of personal religious or moral beliefs.

Americans United applauded the move.

“We applaud the Biden administration for taking positive steps toward protecting both religious freedom and patients’ health by rescinding the Trump-era Denial of Care Rule,” said Rachel Laser, AU’s president and CEO. “No one should be denied the health care they need because of someone else’s religious beliefs.

“The Denial of Care Rule was a dangerous policy that weaponized religious freedom and put the health and lives of women, LGBTQ+ people, religious minorities and so many others in jeopardy,” Laser continued. “Today’s rule seeks to protect patients from harm and upholds the fundamental principle of church-state separation.”