Victory: Second Medical Professional at the Same Hospital Receives Life-Affirming Religious Accommodation

In a powerful demonstration of faith and courage, two women – Judy and Amy – have stood up not just for their own beliefs, but for the rights of all medical professionals to follow their conscience. With the support of the ACLJ, these two healthcare workers at Baptist Health Lexington (BHS) have shown that care for others and religious conviction walk hand in hand.

Judy’s Journey: A Nurse Called To Heal, Not Harm

Judy became a nurse to care for life, not to take it. When she was told that she may have to assist in abortion-related procedures, she was devastated. Her Christian faith taught her that every life, from the moment of conception, is sacred and worthy of protection. Initially, BHS acknowledged her beliefs but placed vague limitations on her accommodation – leaving her uncertain and vulnerable.

That’s when the ACLJ stepped in. Through our efforts, Judy was granted a full religious accommodation – one that reflects both her medical calling and her moral convictions. She can now continue her career with the assurance that her deeply held beliefs will be respected.

Her story reminds us that compassion must extend not only to patients but to the professionals who care for them. Because Judy took a stand, other healthcare professionals at BHS were also granted their religious accommodations, including Amy.

Amy’s Resolution: Seeking Clarity and Respect

Amy, an employee at the same hospital, found herself in a similar situation. She was initially excused from assisting in Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) procedures, but only when fetal heart tones (the baby’s heartbeat) were present. D&Es are abortion-related procedures where the baby is torn apart in the mother’s womb and removed in pieces. They can be done with or without the baby’s heart beating. Amy, like Judy, believes that all unborn life is precious and that no matter the circumstances, her faith calls her to abstain from any involvement in these procedures.

Her role would have required her to reassemble the parts of the baby torn apart by the D&E procedures to ensure that no part was left in the mother’s womb – something she could not reconcile with her conscience or her Christian faith. Seeking clarity from her workplace, Amy reached out repeatedly. When no clear answer came, the ACLJ once again stepped forward.

We sent a demand letter on her behalf explaining Amy’s beliefs and the legal protections available to her. And thankfully, that advocacy made a difference: Amy has now received a full religious accommodation. She will not be asked to participate in any D&E procedures, allowing her to continue caring for others without fear of violating her conscience.

We are genuinely pleased that Baptist Health Lexington listened. By granting these accommodations and working to honor the religious convictions of its employees, BHS has done the right thing. Respecting conscience doesn’t just protect the law – it protects the heart and purpose of the medical community.

The Bigger Picture: Faith in Action

These victories are about more than legal rights – they’re about human dignity. Judy and Amy have reminded us all that standing firm in faith, especially when it’s hard, is necessary. Their strength offers hope to many others facing similar trials, and their grace under pressure is a testament to the power of conviction guided by compassion.

We at the ACLJ are proud to support these women and every medical professional who lives out their values with courage. With ongoing advocacy and legal support, we will continue to assist those like Amy and Judy who want to live out their faith in their career without fear of reprisal.