Jan Appling Secretary | DeKalb County Republican Party
Jan Appling Secretary | DeKalb County Republican Party
A hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is facing scrutiny over its policy requiring ultrasound technicians to assist in abortion procedures. The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) has sent a formal demand letter to Presbyterian Hospital, arguing that the policy change violates the rights of employees who have religious objections.
The hospital, which recently altered its policy to mandate participation from ultrasound techs in abortions, no longer maintains a religious affiliation. This shift has placed some employees in a difficult position. "This shift has put employees in the impossible position of choosing between their livelihoods or their religious convictions," stated legal experts at ACLJ.
Under the new policy, technicians must participate without guaranteed exemptions. "If an employee is unwilling to participate and an accommodation cannot be ensured, they risk job reassignment or termination. Moreover, even if an alternative position is available, the employee must endure a four-week unpaid leave until a transfer is finalized," explained the ACLJ.
The ACLJ's letter outlines what federal law requires of Presbyterian Hospital under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Church Amendment. These laws "explicitly protect healthcare workers from being compelled to participate in procedures that violate their religious beliefs," according to the organization.
The ACLJ demands written assurances from Presbyterian Hospital confirming that affected employees will be exempt from assisting with abortion-related procedures without facing penalties or adverse actions. The organization warned that failure to comply could lead to legal and administrative actions: “We are prepared to take all necessary legal and administrative actions to defend the conscience rights of these dedicated medical professionals.”
The law mandates that employers provide reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs unless it imposes an undue hardship—a standard reinforced by recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings.
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