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Protection of Conscience Project

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Service, not Servitude

Iowa Code

146.1 Liability of persons relating to performance of abortions.

An individual who may lawfully perform, assist, or participate in medical procedures which will result in an abortion shall not be required against that individual's religious beliefs or moral convictions to perform, assist, or participate in such procedures. A person shall not discriminate against any individual in any way, including but not limited to employment, promotion, advancement, transfer, licensing, education, training or the granting of hospital privileges or staff appointments, because of the individual's participation in or refusal to participate in recommending, performing or assisting in an abortion procedure. For the purposes of this chapter, "abortion" means the termination of a human pregnancy with the intent other than to produce a live birth or to remove a dead fetus. Abortion does not include medical care which has as its primary purpose the treatment of a serious physical condition requiring emergency medical treatment necessary to save the life of a mother.

146.2 Liability of hospitals refusing to perform abortions.

A hospital, which is not controlled, maintained and supported by a public authority, shall not be required to permit the performance of an abortion. The refusal to permit such procedures shall not be grounds for civil liability to any person nor a basis for any disciplinary or other recriminatory action against the hospital.