A Florida nurse has sparked controversy after declaring he will refuse to administer anaesthesia to patients who support President Donald Trump. Erik Martindale's statement has drawn calls for his licence to be revoked, with Florida's attorney general threatening to ban him from practising in the state.
Martindale, who graduated from the University of Miami, reportedly took to Facebook to declare that he will not administer anaesthesia to patients during surgeries or procedures if they support Trump's MAGA agenda. He later removed the post and claimed his social media accounts had been hacked, though the declaration has since gone viral in conservative circles and sparked debate about medical ethics and Florida's 'Protections of Medical Conscience Act'.
The Controversial Declaration
In the alleged Facebook post, Martindale said: 'I will not perform anaesthesia for any surgeries or procedures for MAGA. It is my right, it is my ethical oath and I stand behind my education. I own all of my businesses and I can refuse anyone!'
The post was later removed, and Martindale made another post claiming that his Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram accounts had been hacked. Medical professionals are generally expected to treat patients regardless of their political or religious leanings, and the declaration has drawn sharp criticism from Trump supporters.
MAGA Backlash
The post was shared by MAGA-aligned users on social media, sparking calls amongst Republicans to have Martindale's licence revoked and for his suspension.
'He needs to lose his job,' said one user on X. 'This is insane. How is there THIS kind of political divide in our time where doctors are refusing to give proper treatment to opposing parties. Is this actually for real?' said another.
However, some commentators have pointed out that Martindale's declaration may technically be legal under Florida law. In 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1580, also known as the 'Protections of Medical Conscience Act', which allows medical providers and health insurers to deny patient care based on their own religious, moral, or ethical beliefs.
The law was framed by DeSantis as a 'victory for freedom' and was originally intended to protect conservative doctors from repercussions if they refuse patient care, such as abortions, gender-affirming care, or vaccines. Civil rights groups have dubbed the policy a 'Licence to Discriminate' law.
A commentator called The Logical Leftist, pointed out: 'He is theoretically doing exactly what Ron DeSantis gave him permission to do. This of course highlights the fatal flaw in subjective BS laws like this. You cannot legislate conscience only for the people that you agree with.'
Attorney General Threatens Action
Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier has since threatened to pursue revoking Martindale's licence. Uthmeier's call follows his targeting of another nurse, Lexie Lawler of Boca Raton, who also sparked right-wing outrage by wishing severe childbirth injuries on White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Lawler later took to TikTok to address the backlash whilst dismissing the outrage from Trump supporters. Lawler was fired from Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital for her comments.
'You m-erf-ers are coming after me because I use bad language...I'm on the right side of this,' said Lawler.
It is not clear whether Lawler and Martindale's licences have been revoked, nor has there been evidence of Martindale facing any fallout from his post. Evidence suggests both still have their licences.
