AL HB491

Establishes the "Health Care Rights of Conscience Act" to allow health care providers to decline performing or participating in abortion, human cloning, human embryonic stem cell research, and sterilization services that violate their religious, moral, or ethical principles.

Requires health care providers to provide written notice to their employer, board, or oversight agency at least 24 hours before any service they object to, and provides immunity from civil, criminal, or administrative liability for declining to participate when proper notice is given.

Prohibits discrimination against health care providers by employers, health care institutions, public officials, and certification boards based on their refusal to participate in objectionable health care services.

Provides that courts may award injunctive relief, reinstatement to prior job position, back pay, and costs of action for violations of the act.

Exempts life-threatening emergency situations where no other health care provider is available, requires the provider to continue treatment until an alternate provider is found, and does not apply to facilities licensed as abortion clinics.