Trump’s HHS Launches Investigation Into Hospital After Reaching Out to ACLJ Regarding Defense of 5 Medical Professionals Who Were Being Forced To Participate in Abortions

President Trump’s U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reached out to the ACLJ after learning from our article about how a hospital was forcing medical professionals to participate in abortions, and now HHS has just launched a federal investigation of the hospital.

The ACLJ is pleased to report a critical development in the ongoing fight to protect the rights of pro-life medical professionals. After we took action on behalf of five ultrasound technicians in New Mexico who were concerned that they would soon be compelled to participate in abortion procedures despite their deeply held religious beliefs, the federal government has now launched a formal investigation into the hospital’s conduct.

This move by HHS marks a major step forward in ensuring that the conscience rights of healthcare workers are respected under the law.

As we previously shared, Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque changed its policies in late 2024 to require participation in abortion procedures – even for longtime employees with religious objections. When these five ultrasound technicians expressed their concern about the hospital’s new direction, they were told that refusing to comply could lead to reassignment or even termination.

That’s when the ACLJ stepped in. We sent a demand letter outlining the hospital’s obligations under federal law – including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Church Amendments – which prohibit employers from discriminating against employees who object to participating in abortions on religious grounds.

Soon after, the hospital reversed course and granted religious accommodations to each of our clients.

But that’s not where the story ends.

As a follow-up to our legal action, President Trump’s HHS Office for Civil Rights just announced that it is initiating a compliance review into the hospital’s actions and its adherence to federal conscience protection laws.

This kind of enforcement action is both rare and significant. It sends a powerful message to healthcare institutions across the country: You cannot force medical professionals to choose between their careers and their faith.

We commend the Trump Administration for taking this issue seriously and moving to protect religious liberty in the healthcare context. This review reinforces what we’ve long argued – that federal law means what it says when it promises protection for those who refuse to take part in the destruction of human life.

The Biden Administration rolled back conscience protections in 2022, leaving religious medical workers vulnerable. But this action by HHS shows that federal agencies still have a role to play in enforcing the law when religious medical professionals are targeted for their beliefs.

It also demonstrates the power of strategic legal advocacy. Without our intervention, these five workers may have had to choose between their jobs and following their religious convictions. Because we acted – and because the law is on their side – they kept their positions and their integrity. But not only that – because these brave ultrasound technicians stood up and we defended them, the Trump Administration is now able to take the next step to ensure this kind of thing never happens again. The Trump Administration’s action is only possible because our clients were willing to work with us to take a stand.

The ACLJ will continue defending the rights of pro-life professionals around the country. If you or someone you know is being pressured to participate in abortions or any procedure that violates their faith, we are here to help.

This is a victory not just for five brave ultrasound techs in New Mexico – but also for every person who believes that no American should be forced to violate their conscience to keep their job.