N.J. Nurses Say Lawsuit Hasn't Stopped Abortion Duties

Religion Today | Updated: Nov 20, 2011

N.J. Nurses Say Lawsuit Hasn't Stopped Abortion Duties

November 18, 2011

Twelve New Jersey nurses who objected to being forced to assist with abortions said Monday that they were still being compelled to do the procedures, despite having filed a federal lawsuit against their hospital, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, the Examiner reports. "My spiritual conviction tells me I would not want to kill innocent babies, and not in my wildest dreams, as a nurse, as a person, as a Christian, did I ever think that I would be trained to assist with this kind of procedure," said Fe Esperanza Racpan-Vinoya. All 12 nurses said they had made their objections known to their supervisors and hospital officials, but their concerns were dismissed or ignored. In response to a previous restraining order issued by a federal judge, hospital officials had said they would temporarily stop requiring nurses to assist, but the nurses said they were still being scheduled for abortion procedures. "UMDNJ's coercive anti-conscience policy is not only highly unethical but blatantly illegal," said U.S. Rep. Chris Smith. "Federal and state law couldn't be clearer on this matter." The case is scheduled to be heard in federal court Dec. 5.

N.J. Nurses Say Lawsuit Hasn't Stopped Abortion Duties