Study: LGBQ+ Adults Skip HIV Tests, Report Poor Health in States With Refusal Laws
New research shows LGBQ+ adults in states allowing healthcare provider refusals are 28% less likely to get HIV tests and 71% more likely to report poor health.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — A new study reveals that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer adults living in states where healthcare providers can refuse treatment based on religious beliefs are significantly less likely to receive HIV testing and more likely to report poor health outcomes.
The research, published by public health researchers, examined the impact of conscientious objection laws on LGBTQ+ healthcare access. As of April 2026, 11 U.S. states have enacted such laws specifically targeting LGBTQ+ people, affecting roughly one in five LGBTQ+ Americans.
The study found that LGBQ+ adults in states with these laws were 28% less likely to report receiving a first-time HIV test compared to peers in states without conscientious objection laws. These laws did not affect HIV testing rates for heterosexual adults.
Health Outcomes Worsen Under Refusal Laws
Beyond testing disparities, the research revealed broader health consequences for sexual minorities in affected states. LGBQ+ adults were 71% more likely to report being in fair or poor health after the laws passed, compared to those in states without the legislation.
The findings come from analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data examining health outcomes of more than 109,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and heterosexual adults from 2016 to 2018.
Expanding Scope of Conscientious Objection
While conscientious objection laws have long existed for issues such as abortion, their application to LGBTQ+ patients represents a relatively new development that researchers say has not been well studied until now.
These laws allow healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, to refuse treatment to patients based on their personal or religious beliefs. The legislation specifically targeting LGBTQ+ individuals has emerged as states increasingly pass measures affecting sexual and gender minorities.
The research highlights how public policy changes can create measurable impacts on healthcare access and outcomes for vulnerable populations. Public health researchers who conducted the study specialize in examining the effects of public policies on LGBTQ+ population health.
The study’s focus on eight health indicators provided researchers with comprehensive data to measure the harm these laws may cause to LGBTQ+ communities seeking medical care.
