Federal Probe Launched into Michigan Health System Over Alleged Violation of Religious Rights

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MICHIGAN — According to a June 24, 2025, report from CBS Detroit, a Michigan health system is now under investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights due to an alleged religious beliefs violation.

The health system under investigation has not been named, but HHS says that a health care provider within the system “is accused of firing a medical professional after she requested an exemption from certain employment practices due to religious beliefs,” CBS Miami reported. 

These practices included using a patient’s preferred pronouns and assisting in “sex trait modification procedures.”

The Church Amendments under U.S. code ensure the “prohibition of public officials and public authorities from imposition of certain requirements contrary to religious beliefs or moral convictions,” the amendment reads.

HHS says that the investigation will examine whether or not the health system in question has policies that comply with the Church Amendments.

In a statement to CBS Miami, Director Paula M. Stannard said:

“OCR (Office for Civil Rights) is committed to enforcing Federal conscience laws in health care. Health care workers should be able to practice both their professions and their faith.”

According to HHS, this is the third such investigation to be opened since President Donald Trump took office in January.

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