ACLJ Sends Demand Letter to Hospital To Prevent 5 Ultrasound Technicians From Being Forced To Assist in Abortions

The ACLJ is taking a stand to defend the rights of five ultrasound technicians at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who potentially face forced participation in abortion procedures against their deeply held religious beliefs – or the loss of their employment.

In October 2024, Presbyterian Hospital (which is no longer religiously affiliated) altered its policy, requiring ultrasound technicians to assist in abortions – a stark departure from its historical stance. This shift has put employees in the impossible position of choosing between their livelihoods or their religious convictions. Presbyterian Hospital implemented a new policy stating that exemptions are not guaranteed. 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.

In response, our clients submitted conflict of conscience forms to HR seeking exemptions from participating in any abortion-related procedures. A response has not been forthcoming.

ACLJ’s Legal Action

The ACLJ has taken decisive legal action on behalf of our clients, sending a formal demand letter to Presbyterian Hospital on February 11, 2025. This letter outlines the hospital’s obligations under federal law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Church Amendments, which explicitly protect healthcare workers from being compelled to participate in procedures that violate their religious beliefs.

The law is clear: Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs unless doing so imposes an undue hardship – a standard that the U.S. Supreme Court has reinforced in recent rulings. By refusing to grant full accommodations, Presbyterian Hospital is in direct violation of these legal protections.

We have demanded that Presbyterian Hospital provide written assurances confirming that our clients will be fully exempt from assisting in any abortion-related procedures without penalty or adverse action. Should the hospital fail to comply, we are prepared to take all necessary legal and administrative actions to defend the conscience rights of these dedicated medical professionals.

Standing for Religious Freedom

This case is yet another example of the ongoing battle to protect religious freedom in the workplace. No one should be forced to violate their beliefs to keep their job. The ACLJ remains committed to ensuring that the rights of pro-life medical professionals are upheld under the law.

We will continue to share updates as this case develops. In the meantime, we ask for your support in standing against this blatant disregard for religious liberty. If you or someone you know is facing similar discrimination, we encourage you to reach out to the ACLJ for assistance at ACLJ.org/HELP.