After passing through the Senate and House, legislation sponsored by State Rep. Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) giving health care providers an exemption from performing or assisting in abortion procedures could soon be law.
Under current law, physicians and hospital employees are already exempt from performing abortion services based on ethical, moral or religious grounds. With Bacon’s proposal, the exemption would be extended to include Hoosier nurses, physician assistants and pharmacists who are not employed by hospitals.
“If a medical professional objects to abortions because of moral or religious beliefs, I do not think they should be required by their employer to take part in those procedures,†Bacon said. “Nurses, physician assistants and pharmacists deserve the same conscience rights offered to physicians.â€
Bacon said if the legislation becomes law, these medical practitioners also would not be required to prescribe, administer or dispense an abortion-inducing drug if the action conflicts with their ethical code.
