Idaho governor signs bill safeguarding parental rights, medical decision making
The following quote may be attributed to Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Matt Sharp regarding Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s signing Thursday of SB 1329, a bill that protects a parent’s right to access their child’s health care records and make medical decisions accordingly:
“Parents love and know their child best. And they have the right and responsibility to direct the care and upbringing of their children—including making decisions regarding their child’s health care. As we continue to see instances nationwide of government officials actively seeking to replace parents as the ultimate determiners of what’s best for children, we commend Idaho for safeguarding the vital role of parents to guide the medical care of their children. Now and always, a loving parent will always be the best advocate to ensure their child gets the care needed. We’re grateful for Senate Majority Leader Kelly Anthon and Rep. Barbara Ehardt’s strong leadership on this issue and for Gov. Little and the Idaho Legislature’s enactment of this law to protect parental rights in Idaho.”
Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life.
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ABOUT Matt Sharp
Matt Sharp serves as senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, where he is the director of the Center for Public Policy. In this role, he leads ADF's team of policy experts as they craft legislation and advise government officials on policies that promote free speech, religious freedom, parental rights, and the sanctity of human life. Since joining ADF in 2010, Sharp has authored federal and state legislation, regularly provides testimony and legal analysis on how proposed legislation will impact constitutional freedoms, and advises governors, legislators, and state and national policy organizations on the importance of laws and policies that protect First Amendment rights. He has twice testified before the U.S. Congress on the importance of protecting free speech and religious liberty in federal law. Sharp also authored an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of nearly 9,000 students, parents, and community members asking the court to uphold students’ right to privacy against government intrusion. Sharp earned his J.D. in 2006 from the Vanderbilt University School of Law. A member of the bar in Georgia and Tennessee, he is also admitted to practice in several federal courts.