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News Releases
2008

17 September, 2008 - Ontario document reveals plans for Manitoba physicians
Officials at Ontario’s College of Physicians and Surgeons revised a controversial draft policy before the deadline for public consultation had passed, and before receiving major submissions critical of the proposal. They plan to have the College’s governing Council approve the changes on 18 September, even though the revised draft continues to be of concern . . .

17 September, 2008 - Postpone vote, says Project
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba may implement a policy similar to a controversial Ontario proposal that would restrict freedom of conscience and religion among physicians. News of the plan for Manitoba doctors was disclosed today in a briefing note to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. . .

13 September, 2008 - Rights Commission threat “blasphemy against the human spirit”
“Blasphemy against the human spirit.” That is how the Protection of Conscience Project describes a threat by Ontario’s Human Rights Commission to punish doctors who refuse to do what they believe to be wrong. The rebuke is found in a submission to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario . .

31 August, 2008 - Ontario Human Rights Commission Flexes Muscles
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has been instructed by the province’s Human Rights Commission that physicians are to be denied freedom of conscience and religion. The “guidance” is contained in an OHRC submission that appears to have been posted today on the Commission’s website. . .

18 August, 2008 - Uphold religious freedom for doctors, League urges
The Catholic Civil Rights League recently called on the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario to ensure freedom of religion and freedom of conscience for physicians in the application of changes to the application of Ontario’s Human Rights Code. . .

15 August, 2008 - Proposed policy could severely limit freedom of Ontario physicians
In a letter today to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, the president of Canadian Physicians for Life, Dr. Will Johnston, expressed concern over a draft policy relating to freedom of conscience and the lack of sufficient notice given by CPSO to all interested stakeholders that a consultation process, which officially ends today, has been underway since the end of June. . .

14 August, 2008 - Freedom of Conscience and Religion Not a Defence
Ontario physicians are being advised that they are expected to give up freedom of conscience if they wish to practise medicine in the province. The expectation is set out in “Physicians and the Ontario Human Rights Code,” a draft policy document from the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons. . .

18 July, 2008 - Cardinal Rigali Urges Congress To Respect Conscience Rights
Responding to objections to anticipated federal HHS regulations protecting health care providers' fundamental rights of conscience, Cardinal Justin Rigali, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, today wrote to all members of Congress defending "efforts to reaffirm and implement laws on conscience protection" . . .

15 July, 2008 - CMA physicians call on HHS to protect patients with regulations upholding healthcare professionals' rights
Responding to a story published this morning by the New York Times , physicians of the Christian Medical Association called on Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael O. Leavitt to publish regulations in accord with federal laws protecting patients and healthcare professionals in decisions relating to controversial procedures and prescriptions. . .

15 July, 2008 - CWA Applauds HHS for Upholding Healthcare Providers' Rights
According to The New York Times, the Bush administration plans to propose regulations to comply with federal laws to protect patients and healthcare professionals from being forced to provide controversial drugs and procedures such as abortion. . .

27 June, 2008 - CMA Physicians Laud HHS Secretary Leavitt for Protecting Physicians and Patients on Abortion and Conscience Issue 
The Christian Medical Association . . . today lauded U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Michael O. Leavitt for encouraging the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) to clearly publish assurances that it will not decertify or otherwise penalize physicians who do not perform or refer for abortions. . .

12 May, 2008 - Coast Guard relents, allows officer to refuse vaccine from aborted baby
U.S. Coast Guard officials who initially refused to excuse an officer from being injected with a vaccine derived from an aborted child have relented in the wake of a lawsuit filed on behalf of the officer by Alliance Defense Fund attorneys . . .

2 May, 2008 - 9th Circuit thwarts Wash. state’s attempt to stall conscience rights
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled Thursday that Washington pharmacists’ rights of conscience will be protected while an appeal by state officials who oppose those rights moves forward . . .

23 April, 2008 - Pharmacist's Rights of Conscience Goes to Wisconsin Supreme Court
Today the Thomas More Society filed an appeal with the Wisconsin Supreme Court on behalf of Neil T. Noesen. Noesen is a registered pharmacist, who refused to fill a prescription for oral contraceptives at a K-Mart in Menominee, Wisconsin . . .

17 April, 2008 - League pleased that Bill on conscience protection is re-introduced
The Catholic Civil Rights League welcomed the introduction of Private Member’s Bill C-537, April 16 by MP Maurice Vellacott (Saskatoon – Wanuskewin) to protect conscience rights of health care workers . . .

19 March, 2008 - Vellacott re-introduces Private Member’s Bill to protect conscience rights of health care workers 
Conservative MP Maurice Vellacott (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin) today re-introduced his Private Member’s Bill that would protect the conscience rights of Canada’s health care workers. This is the third Parliament in which Vellacott has introduced a bill to protect health care workers’ conscience rights. . .

19 March, 2008 - Court rejects California’s challenge to healthcare conscience rights
A federal court Tuesday rejected California’s challenge to the “Weldon Amendment.”  The federal statute forbids state and local governments that receive federal funds from discriminating against healthcare providers that refuse to perform or refer patients for abortions . . .

14 March, 2008 - HHS Secretary Calls on Certification Group to Protect Conscience Rights
Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt today expressed disappointment in a new policy put forth by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). He also called on the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) to reject this policy and protect the conscience rights of physicians. . .

10 March, 2008 - ADF attorneys assist Montana pro-life pharmacist
The Montana Board of Pharmacy has dropped all complaints against a pharmacist who declined to dispense contraceptives and the so-called “morning after pill” because of his sincerely-held religious beliefs . . .

15 February, 2008 - ADF: American Counseling Association must honor freedom of conscience, religion
ADF attorneys sent a letter to the American Counseling Association Wednesday, asking the organization to reconsider a policy which stigmatizes counselors and clients who hold to biblically based religious beliefs regarding homosexual behavior. . .

4 January, 2008 - ADF: U.S. Coast Guard officers should not be forced to violate conscience in order to serve country
On Wednesday, ADF attorneys filed a lawsuit on behalf of a U.S. Coast Guard officer told he must be injected with a vaccine derived from an aborted child, even though it conflicts with his Catholic beliefs . . .

News Releases
2007

11 December, 2007  Physicians call on The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to Stop Attacking Conscience Rights  The nation's largest faith-based association of physicians, the 15,000-member Christian Medical Association (www.cmda.org), today joined other leading national organizations in challenging The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) to stop its attack on the conscience rights of pro-life physicians. . .

8 November, 2007 - Court stops enforcement of Wash. regulations targeting pharmacists, pharmacies who don’t stock abortion drugs
A federal court Thursday confirmed that the right of Washington pharmacists to obey their conscience when they object to dispensing abortion-inducing drugs on religious grounds will be protected while a lawsuit by two pharmacists and a pharmacy owner moves forward . . .

25 September, 2007 - ADF-allied attorneys available to the media following hearing on Washington “right of conscience” case Alliance Defense Fund allied attorneys Kristen Waggoner and Steve O'Ban will be available to answer questions from the media Wednesday following a court hearing on their motion for preliminary injunction filed against the Washington State Pharmacy Board . . .

11 September, 2007 - Christian doctor fired after city officials learn of his membership with pro-family organization
Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund filed a lawsuit Tuesday in federal court on behalf of an Illinois clinical psychologist who lost his contract with the city of Minneapolis because of his membership with a politically conservative, pro-family organization . . .

1 August, 2007 - ACLJ Hails Federal Court Ruling Acknowledging Conscience Rights of Illinois Pharmacists
The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) today praised a ruling by the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Illinois denying a motion by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a former Wal-Mart pharmacist arising out of his suspension for refusing to sell “Plan B” and other drugs he considers abortifacient. . .

27 July, 2007 ADF attorneys file lawsuit and motion for preliminary injunction 
Seeking to safeguard the rights of pharmacists and pharmacies who choose not to stock or distribute abortion-inducing drugs on religious and moral grounds, ADF attorneys and allied attorneys filed a lawsuit Wednesday in federal court. . . .

3 April, 2007  Doctors Should Not Be Forced To Artificially Inseminate Lesbians 
The Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm . . . has submitted a friend of the court brief supporting the right of physicians to refuse to perform medical procedures that violate their sincerely held religious convictions. The brief was filed in a case pending before the California Supreme Court . . .Guadalupe Benitez, a lesbian, sued two doctors who refused to artificially inseminate her—alleging that the doctors discriminated against her because of her sexual orientation in violation of California’s civil rights act . . .

29 January, 2007 Weldon Amendment Challenge by CA is Reverse Discrimination 
The Christian Medical Association (CMA, ), the nation's largest faith-based organization of physicians, today issued a statement criticizing the California Attorney General's legal attack on physicians' freedom to refuse to participate in abortions on the basis of conscience . . .

11 January, 2007 - CLS attorney available for comment following hearing in right of conscience challenge
An attorney with the Christian Legal Society will be available for comments to the media outside the Burton U.S. Courthouse immediately following Friday’s hearing in State of California v. United States of America, a federal lawsuit involving the conscience rights of pro-life physicians. . .

5 January, 2007 - ADF earns victory for nurse demoted for not distributing ‘morning after’ abortion pill
A lawsuit filed by Alliance Defense Fund attorneys on behalf of a nurse demoted for refusing to distribute the morning-after pill will be permitted to go forward.  A Louisiana court today informed an ADF-allied attorney that the denial of the hospital’s motion for summary judgment is official. . . 

News Releases
2006

5 December, 2006  Canadian Physicians ask Federal and Provincial Health Ministers  to provide alternative to ethically controversial childhood vaccine. 
Canadian Physicians for Life has become aware that some viral vaccines were developed from tissue from aborted fetuses. . . . This presents a serious moral dilemma to those who might view the use of such abortion-related vaccines as a form of cooperation with an immoral act, but who are also aware of the dire health consequences of failing to immunize themselves or their children . . .

14 November, 2006  Federal appeals court upholds federal protection for pro-life medical professionals
A federal appeals court today upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit brought by a pro-abortion group . . .“Doctors and nurses should not be forced to participate in abortions against their religious beliefs or conscience.  Under the banner of ‘choice,’ the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association asserted a supposed right to do this, but the court didn’t buy it,” said Casey Mattox . . .

19 October, 2006 Statement on Decision in Religious Liberty Case 
 Richard E. Barnes, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference, issued the following statement after today’s decision by the New York State Court of Appeals upholding a state mandate that forces Catholic education, health and human service ministries to provide contraception coverage in employee health plans . . .

7 September, 2006 ACLJ Hails Victory For Right of Conscience in Illinois Case Involving Pharmacists & Dispensation of the Morning-After Pill. 
The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) today hailed as “a significant victory for the right of conscience” a decision of the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Illinois denying Illinois Governor Blagojevich’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by seven pharmacists challenging that state’s year-old morning-after-pill mandate. 

7 Septermber, 2006 - CLS attorney available for comment following hearing in right of conscience challenge An attorney with the Christian Legal Society will be available for comments to the media outside the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse immediately following Friday’s hearing in National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association v. Gonzales, a federal lawsuit involving the conscience rights of pro-life physicians and healthcare workers. . .

12 June, 2006 - Pro-life healthcare groups fight California’s attempts to criminalize right of conscience
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled Friday that California healthcare professionals must be allowed to intervene in a lawsuit to defend their right to refuse to provide abortions and abortion referrals. . .

18 May, 2006 - CLS attorney available for comment following hearing in right of conscience challenge
An attorney with the Christian Legal Society will be available for comments to the media outside the Browning U.S. Courthouse immediately following Friday’s hearing in State of California v. United States of America, a federal lawsuit involving the conscience rights of pro-life physicians.  . .

28 April, 2006 Michigan Bill Would Insure Freedom of Conscience for Insurance Providers
“A person’s religious freedom doesn’t end when he opens the door to his business,” states Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life. “Michigan’s representatives have taken an important step toward guaranteeing freedom of conscience for those providing health insurance in that state” . . .

14 March, 2006 ADF defends right of conscience for pharmacists 
The Alliance Defense Fund sent a letter Friday to the Washington State Board of Pharmacy urging the board to adopt a policy protecting the right of conscience for pharmacists.  Many pharmacists object on moral, ethical, and religious grounds to dispensing contraceptives, including the “morning-after” abortion pill . . .

26 January, 2006 Nurses Charge Virginia Mason for Retaliation 
Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) . . .has filed an unfair labor practice charge against VMMC . . . that within the past six months, VMMC has retaliated and discriminated against the registered nurses for exercising their contractual right to refuse flu vaccination by forcing them to wear masks. . .

7 January, 2006  Nurses Win Federal Court Decision on Virginia Mason's Mandatory Flu Vaccination Policy 
 . . .WSNA absolutely supports the flu vaccination and in fact strongly encourages nurses to get them. But, it does oppose any health care facility threatening to fire people if they do not submit to the mandatory vaccination . . .

News Releases
2005

13 December, 2005 - Pro-life medical groups appeal to higher court to protect their right of conscience
Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund and the Christian Legal Society filed a brief today with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit to support their appeal of a lower court's decision that denied California healthcare professionals the opportunity to intervene in a case affecting their right to refuse to provide abortions and abortion referrals.

4 November, 2005 - Pharmacist appeals Wisconsin Pharmacy Examining Board’s Final Disciplinary Decision
Neil Noesen, the Wisconsin pharmacist disciplined earlier this year by the Wisconsin State Pharmacy Examining Board has filed an opposing brief November 1st in Barron County Circuit Court . . .

31 October, 2005 - Belgium: Redefining Palliative Care and Forcing Physicians to Refer for Euthanasia
Physicians must refer patients for euthanasia, and euthanasia is part of palliative care in Belgium, according to a joint statement issued by the Catholic University of Leuven, the University of Ghent and the Belgian Association of General Practitioners. . .

16 October, 2005 - Family Life Praises Doctor's Contraception Decision
The bold and important decision of Dr Joseph Hassan to cease prescribing contraceptives to his patients is to be praised.  Catholic pro-life and family organisation, Family Life International, commends the stand taken by Nelson GP, Dr Joseph Hassan, to stop prescribing contraceptives to his patients . . .

14 October, 2005 - Governor Vetoes Conscience Protection Act
This afternoon, Governor James Doyle vetoed Assembly Bill 207 (The Conscience Protection Act) authored by Rep. Jean Hundertmark (R-Clintonville) and Sen. Carol Roessler (R-Oshkosh).  . .

17 September, 2005- A Narrow and Totalitarian View of Professional Practice
An “invitation only” focus group will meet in Windsor, Ontario, on 20 September to consider a proposal that includes a draft code of ethics for Ontario’s pharmacists. Its response may determine how far the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) can go in suppressing freedom of conscience. . .

14 September, 2005- The nation's most comprehensive medical conscience rights legislation
Tomorrow, Thursday, September 15, the Conscience Protection Act  (AB 207) will receive a public hearing before the Senate Health, Children, Families, Aging & Long Term Care Committee. . .

12 September, 2005- CMA Doctors Fault ACOG Hypocrisy on Abortion "Choice"- The 17,000-member Christian Medical Association (CMA) today highlighted the hypocrisy of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) in pushing for legislation to force conscientiously opposed physicians into referring their patients for abortions . . .

25 July, 2005- Manzullo: Pharmacists Shouldn’t Be Forced to Choose Between Their Business, Beliefs 
House Small Business Committee Chairman Don Manzullo (R-IL) today said pharmacists in several states face fines and possibly the loss of their business if they refuse to dispense certain birth control drugs that are against their beliefs.

6 July, 2005- The Use of Physicians for Human Torture
The Islamic Medical Association of North America (www.imana.org) is opposed to the use of physicians for torture of inmates irrespective of their faith, race, gender, nationality or alleged crime. . .

27 June, 2005- CMA Doctors Counter AMA Position on Abortion and Conscience
The nation's largest faith-based organization of physicians today spoke out in opposition to the American Medical Association's recent stance regarding forcing the filling of prescriptions for drugs that can cause abortions. . .

23 June, 2005 - Louisiana nurse fired for refusal to administer “morning after” abortion pill
Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund have filed suit against St. Tammany Parish Hospital for terminating the employment of a nurse who refused to administer the “morning after” abortion pill.  The suit argues that the hospital’s actions violate the Louisiana Employment Discrimination Law. . .

17 June, 2005 - Pro-life medical groups seek to defend right of conscience in California
The Alliance Defense Fund and the Christian Legal Society filed a motion to intervene Thursday in State of California v. United States of America on behalf of California healthcare professionals to defend their right to refuse to provide abortions and abortion referrals.

8 June, 2005 - ACLJ Files Federal Suit Against Illinois School  The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), which specializes in constitutional law, today filed a federal lawsuit against Eastern Illinois University after a nurse who was working at the University’s Health Services Department was not promoted because of her pro-life beliefs and her objection to dispensing the morning-after pill.. .

8 June, 2005 - AUL Files Suit Against Illinois Governor
Today, Americans United for Life filed suit on behalf of pharmacy owner Luke Vander Bleek of Morrison, Illinois against Gov. Rod Blagojevich over his emergency rule issued April 1, 2005 requiring pharmacies to dispense contraceptives and abortifacient drugs such as the morning-after pill "without delay."

 

7 June, 2005 - Good medicine: Albertsons agrees to respect pharmacists’ right of conscience
Albertsons Corporation has agreed to accommodate its pharmacists’ right to refuse to fill prescriptions that violate their religious or moral beliefs.  The accommodation came on the heels of a lawsuit filed by attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund and Christian Legal Society against the employer and Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on behalf of pharmacist David Scimio. . .

26 May, 2005 - ACLJ Adds Pharmacists to Lawsuit Against Illinois Governor   
The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), which specializes in constitutional law, today filed an amended complaint in state court in Illinois adding four additional pharmacists to its lawsuit challenging Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich’s emergency amendment to the state code requiring pharmacists to dispense medication even if filling the prescriptions violate their conscience and religious beliefs.

16 May, 2005 - Senate Committee to Hear Pharmacists Conscience Clause Bill
The Senate Committee on Labor and Election Process Reform will hold a public hearing Tuesday, May 17 at the State Capitol highlighting legislation to provide much needed job security for pharmacists who conscientiously object to dispensing drugs that they believe would be used to cause death through abortion, euthanasia, or physician-assisted suicide. . .

15 April, 2005 - Illinois governor writes prescription for trouble, CLS and ADF file suit on behalf of pharmacist
The Christian Legal Society and Alliance Defense Fund filed suit today against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on behalf of a Lake County pharmacist.  Blagojevich’s “emergency rule” filed this month compels pharmacists to fill prescriptions for contraceptives, including abortion-inducing drugs, regardless of any moral objections they may have. . .

13 April, 2005 - Wisconsin Pharmacist Punished for Exercising Religious Beliefs
Today the state Pharmacy Examining Board (PEB) approved in full last month’s recommendation from Administrative Law Judge Colleen Baird to reprimand and limit the license of Wisconsin pharmacist Neil Noesen . . .

13 April, 2005 - ACLJ Files Suit Against Illinois Governor Over Directive Discriminating Against Pro-Life Pharmacists  
The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), which specializes in constitutional law, today filed a lawsuit in state court in Illinois on behalf of two pharmacists challenging Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich’s emergency amendment to the state code requiring pharmacists to dispense medication even if filling the prescriptions violate their conscience and religious beliefs . . .

5 April, 2005 - Rep. Stephens Opposes Governor’s Executive Order to Fill Contraceptive Prescriptions 
The governor has overstepped his boundaries when he issued an executive order requiring all pharmacists to fill contraceptive prescriptions regardless of religious or moral beliefs according to State Representative Ron Stephens (R-Greenville) . . .

News Releases
2004

8 December, 2004 - CCF Responds to California Attorney General Bill Lockyer's Pro-Abortion Attack on Conscience 
In response to California Attorney General Bill Lockyer today announcing he will sue to block the Hyde-Weldon conscience amendment in the recently-passed federal spending bill which prohibits government entities from punishing doctors who won't do abortions, Randy Thomasson, president of Campaign for Children and Families, a leading West Coast pro-family organization, issued the following statement . . .

18 October, 2004 - Economics Outweighs Ethical Principles in the Pharmacy Profession
On October 15th, the Vancouver Sun reported that the BC Pharmacy Association, with the support of the BC First Nations Summit and the federal Conservative party, is warning that some pharmacists in remote areas are planning to withdraw from the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program.  This means that pharmacists in BC will be allowed to opt out of having to provide services to First Nations people for purely economic reasons. . .

15 October, 2004 - Government still in hot pursuit of their conscience-crushing abortion campaign
. . . The Government is proceeding with the liberalisation of the abortion law (final debate on the Amendment Bill scheduled for November 4th in the National Assembly) in a manner which can only lead to the conclusion that they are still in hot pursuit of their campaign to put increasing pressure on pro-life health professionals to do their abortions for them. . .

30 August, 2004 - Planned Parenthood and "Anti-Choice" Rhetoric
Planned Parenthood Alberta is recycling the accusation that physicians who object to abortion may "scare" patients with "misinformation"or "impose their moral beliefs." This smear may be unfairly applied to conscientious objectors who follow the guidelines of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) . . .

11 August, 2004 - Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference Media Statement -Call to Action on Abortion
“The Catholic Church calls on all catholic medical personnel to insist on their constitutional rights, respecting their freedom of conscience and to refuse to cooperate in the performance of abortions”, said the Bishops in their statement at the end of their assembly in Mariannhill today. . .

27 May, 2004 - ACLJ Announces Settlement of Case of Health Dept. Employee in Illinois
The American Center for Law and Justice, which specializes in constitutional law, announced today the settlement of the case of a health department employee from Illinois who filed a federal discrimination lawsuit in 2003 claiming she was denied a promotion based on her pro-life religious beliefs. . .

12 May, 2004 - Ethics Profiling in the Health Care Profession
The recent near-failing of a medical student at a Canadian university, solely because the student has pro-life convictions, shows how intolerant some people have become about choices they dislike. For years, Canadian Physicians for Life has received anecdotal complaints from students who suspect that their medical school admission interview went badly after they truthfully answered questions which probed for pro-life beliefs. . .

12 May, 2004 - Statement by Maurice Vellacott, M.P.
. . . Today, our specific purpose is to draw attention to the injustices against pro-life health care professionals, and to urge both the federal government and provincial governments and professional associations to implement policies that guarantee the constitutionally-protected freedom of conscience for pro-life nurses, doctors, pharmacists and medical students. . .

6 May, 2004 - Planned Parenthood Continues Their Campaign of Lies
Planned Parenthood, the state’s largest abortion provider, continues to disseminate outright lies about the nation’s most comprehensive legislation dealing with conscience rights for health care professionals and facilities. . .

22 April, 2004 - Pro-Life Wisconsin Kicks Off Pharmacists Conscience Clause Petition Drive
Pro-Life Wisconsin has initiated a statewide petition drive calling on Wisconsin’s state legislators to protect in law the conscience rights of pharmacists who refuse to engage in practices that violate the sanctity of human life – specifically chemical abortion and euthanasia. Over 5,000 petitions have already been circulated statewide with a goal of delivering over 15,000 signatures to the Wisconsin Legislature in spring 2005. . .

21 April, 2004- Governor Delivers a Slap in the Face to the Medical Community!
Assembly Bill 67, also known as the Conscience Clause Bill, was vetoed today by Gov. James Doyle.  Doyle joined ranks with Planned Parenthood and the radical pro-abortion lobby in opposing the nation’s most comprehensive legislation that would protect the conscience rights of medical professionals and facilities in certain defined areas. . .

15 April, 2004- Planned Parenthood Launches Campaign of Outright Lies
Today, Planned Parenthood, the state’s largest abortion provider, announced they would be undertaking a “public information campaign” to target several legislators who voted for Assembly Bill 67, also known as the Conscience Clause Bill. . .

16 March, 2004 - Governor Says He Will Veto Conscience Clause Bill!
Yesterday, Governor Doyle informed the media that plans to veto Assembly Bill 67, the Conscience Clause Bill, which was authored by Rep. Jean Hundertmark (R-Clintonville) and Sen. Carol Roessler (R-Oshkosh) . . .

1 March, 2004 - CMA doctors rue California's breach of religious freedom
"Faith-based organizations must retain the freedom to follow religious and ethical beliefs in matters regarding issues such as birth control," said Christian Medical Association Executive Director David Stevens, M.D. today, reacting against a California Supreme Court decision to force Catholic Charities to provide contraception coverage to its employees. . .

19 February, 2004 - Assembly Vote Likely Next Week
 The Assembly is likely to vote next week on concurrence with State Senate action on the nation’s most comprehensive conscience clause legislation, Assembly Bill 67.   The legislation is authored by Rep. Jean Hundertmark (R-Clintonville) and Sen. Carol Roessler (R-Oshkosh).  After the Assembly completes it work on AB 67, the measure will go to the governor . . .

19 February, 2004- Why Pro-Life Wisconsin Opposes Assembly Bill 67 (as amended)
Last Thursday, Assembly 67 (the health care conscience clause bill) passed the State Senate 20-13.  PLW was placed in the very difficult position of having to oppose a bill we originally supported.  Not only was the bill amended to weaken beginning-of-life issues, but it was amended to weaken end-of-life issues as well . . .
 

News Releases
2003

22 July, 2003 - Wackiness Rules
Last month the Assembly overwhelmingly approved Assembly Bill 67.  This reasonable, common sense legislation would protect the conscience rights of health care professionals and facilities in the specific areas of abortion, assisted suicide, euthanasia and unethical medical experiments involving the deliberate destruction of human life. . .

5 June, 2003 - Court Puts Health Care Workers on the Spot
A recent decision by the Supreme Court of Victoria makes it lawful to cause the death of patients by starvation and dehydration. The court has classified nutrition and hydration not as care, but as 'treatment' that can by refused by a patient or proxy. Australian health care workers who find this morally repugnant may now find themselves in a difficult position. . .

14 May, 2003 - Assembly Labor Committee Approves Pharmacists' Conscience Clause
Madison - The Assembly Labor Committee gave their approval this morning to Assembly Bill 63, legislation that will provide much needed job security for pharmacists who conscientiously object to dispensing drugs or devices that they reasonably believe would be used to cause death through abortion, euthanasia, physician assisted suicide, or any other method of intentionally killing another human being . . .

23 April, 2003 - Professor Prevails, Union Capitulates After a year of battling, the Cuesta College Federation of Teachers finally agreed to allow one of its professors to have all of his union dues diverted to a charity of his choice. Despite making repeated requests, Professor Paul Bauer had previously been denied the right to divert his mandatory "fair share" union fees to a charity that did not conflict with his religious convictions. . .

News Releases
2002

28 October, 2002  - Louisiana Health Dept. Reverses Itself In "Morning-After" Pill Case.State Agrees To Provide Religious Accommodation For Nurse After Discrimination Complaint Filed With EEOC
The American Center for Law and Justice, an international public interest law firm committed to protecting life, announced today that the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has reversed itself and has now agreed to stop discriminating against a public health nurse from New Orleans who was threatened with termination for refusing to dispense pregnancy-ending medication - a job requirement that violates her deeply held religious beliefs . . .

23 October, 2002 - ACLJ Files Religious Discrimination Complaint With EEOC Against Louisiana Health Dept. Over "Morning-After" Pill
The American Center for Law and Justice, an international public interest law firm committed to protecting life, today announced it is representing a nurse from Louisiana who has been threatened with termination for refusing to dispense pregnancy-ending medication - a requirement that violates her deeply held religious beliefs . . .

26 June,2002 - Crisis at Philadelphia Hospital Highlights The Violation Of Women’s Rights Due To Mismanagement Of Our Health System
Doctors For Life (DFL), an organisation of about 770 doctors, places the blame for the lack of staff to support women having abortions at Philadelphia hospital, squarely on the shoulders of the South African government. Before the government bulldozed the law to legalise abortion on demand through Parliament, DFL warned via numerous press releases that the infrastructure to implement the law does not exist . . .

28 May, 2002 - ACLJ  wins Religious Discrimination Case Against California Health Agency Over 'Morning-After Pill'
The American Center for Law and Justice, an international public interest law firm, announced today that a federal jury in California has found that Riverside County violated the constitutional rights of a nurse who was fired from her job after she refused to dispense medication known as a “morning-after” pill designed to end pregnancies . . .

22 April, 2002 - Stonewalling Leads to Call for New Freedom of Information Law
An Albertan writes to a professional organization with concerns about its policies on civil rights and public health issues. She gets no response. . .

21 March, 2002 - Catholic Health Association Supports Medically Appropriate, Morally Acceptable Care for Sexual Assault Victims
The following statement is being released by Rev. Michael D. Place, STD, president and chief executive officer, Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA) . . .

 

24 February, 2002-  Aryan Defender Highlights BC Medical Journal
It is an unusual cover for a medical journal: a crouching, brawny Aryan hero, glowering murderously from under a horned helmet, a copper IUD clutched in his sword hand . . .

News Releases
2001

20 December, 2001 - Draft Bill Lacks Conscience Protection, Erodes Trial by Jury
The Canadian government’s proposed Assisted Human Reproduction Act lacks protection for health care workers and others who do not want to participate in morally controversial procedures, and erodes the customary right to trial by jury . . .

12 September, 2001 - Appeal to Muslim Physicians 
Dr. Shahid Athar, an advisor to the Protection of Conscience Project and President of the Islamic Medical Association of North America, has issued the following appeal in the wake of yesterday's tragic attacks on American cities . . .

5 June, 2001- Canadian Physicians for Life 
RE:  "Even doctors ethically must make referrals for abortion services, whether they morally support that or not."  Melanie Anderson - Planned Parenthood Alberta  (CTV News and Current Affairs Sat 02 Jun 2001)  The erroneous allegation that physicians who object to abortion for reasons of conscience are obliged to refer patients for the procedure continues to be promulgated in Alberta. . .

2 June, 2001 - World's First Faculty of Bioethics Announced 
The world's first faculty of bioethics will begin offering first year Bachelor, Master and Doctorate courses in October, 2001. . .

April 27, 2001 - Pharmacists' Conscience Clause Given Stamp of Approval
Madison--A stamp of approval was given to Assembly Bill 307 (late Thursday),
legislation that will provide much needed job security for pharmacists who conscientiously object to dispensing drugs or devices that can cause death through abortion, euthanasia or physician assisted suicide . . . .

29 March, 2001 - Report Faults Pharmacists' Ethics Committee
A report released on Monday criticizes the Ethics Advisory Committee of the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia for publishing a prejudicial and unjustified attack on the integrity of conscientious objectors within the profession. The report identifies ‘ethical nepotism’ in the committee as a factor contributing to misunderstanding and intolerance. . .

24 January, 2001 - ACLJ Gets Legal Victory as Lawsuit Against KMart Involvong Abortion Producing Drugs Moves Forward 
(Cincinnati, OH) -- The American Center for Law and Justice, an international public interest law firm, said today a federal court has cleared the way for its lawsuit against Kmart on behalf of a pharmacist who was fired for refusing to dispense abortion producing drugs to move forward. . .

News Releases
2000

1 December, 2000 -Protection of Conscience Project 1 Year Old
The Protection of Conscience Project was officially launched one year ago . . .

1 December, 2000 - ACLJ Files Religious Discrimination Suit Against California Health Agency Over "Morning-After" Pill
The American Center for Law and Justice, an international public interest law firm, today filed suit in U.S. District Court in Riverside, California on behalf of a health care worker charging that she was fired from her job as a nurse for Riverside County, California after she refused to dispense medication known as a “morning-after” pill designed to end pregnancies . . .

2 November, 2000 - Government declines to rule out prosecution of conscientious objectors
A spokesperson for the British Columbia Ministry of Health has declined to provide assurance that health care workers who object to abortion will not be prosecuted under the Access to Abortion Services Act.

15 October, 2000 - B.C. Pharmacist Wins Substantial Support For "Conscientious Objectors" at AGM
A resolution that would allow pharmacists to opt out of dispensing morally controversial products such as the Morning After Pill gained substantial support from pharmacists at the AGM of B.C. Pharmacists on October 12th . . .

 23 June, 2000
All-Party Committee Receives Plea for Freedom of Conscience (in English & Irish language)
The All-Party Oireachtais Committee on the Constitution has received a written submission from Protection of Conscience Project on the need for laws to protect health care workers and others from coercion and discrimination . . .

Fuáir an Coiste Ill-phairti Oireachtais ar an mBunreacht,pléadáil I scríbhinn on gComhairle Saoirse Choinsiasa, ar an nga oibrithe I gcúrsaí leighis agus daoine nach iad a bheith cosainte ó éigeantalacht agus di-mheas . . .

7 June, 2000 -Pharmacists for life support Manitoba conscience policy
Pharmacists for Life Int'l/Canada (PFLI/Canada) is an educational group concerned with sanctity of human life issues affecting the profession.  We appreciate and applaud the noble decision of the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association to include in their Standards of Practice a statement which allows the professionals that they regulate to follow their conscience in the practice of this health care profession . . .

5 June, 2000- Freedom of Conscience Recognized
Pharmacists in Manitoba have decided that they should not be forced to be involved in medical procedures that they find morally abhorrent . . .

5 June, 2000
Concerned Pharmacists for Conscience applaud Manitoba conscience policy

The professional group Concerned Pharmacists for Conscience supports and applauds the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association's courageous inclusion of a model statement in their Standards of Practice, which does not require pharmacists with conscientious objections to refer patients. Patient access to legally prescribed therapy would continue to be available without compromising the health professionals' right of conscientious refusal . . .

12 April, 2000-Alberta conscience bill applauded (CPL release)
Canadian Physicians for Life applauds efforts before the Alberta legislature to grant protection of conscience to health care professionals who support the sanctity of life . . .

12 April, 2000 -Pharmacists for Life Re: College of Pharmacists of BC
Pharmacists for Life International/Canada opposes the controversial policy decision by the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia in which pharmacists in that province will be facing increased pressure to be distributors of death-causing products and services. . .

10 April, 2000 CMDS Re: Alberta conscience bill
The Calgary and Edmonton Chapters of the Christian Medical and Dental Society of Canada are in support of Bill 212, The Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Amendment Act, which would protect healthcare workers' conscience rights. . .

24 March, 2000  Concerned Pharmacists for Conscience Re: Preven
In a controversial policy change, announced this week the College of Pharmacists of B.C. decided to allow pharmacists to hand out the morning after pill, Preven, over the counter without a doctor's prescription.  In response, Greg Eberhart, registrar of the Alberta Pharmaceutical Association (APhA) has stated that "The APhA hopes to follow B.C.'s push..."

23 March, 2000 - New Advisors Join Project
Two new advisors joined the Project in March . . .

 

21 January, 2000 - New Advisor Joins Project
Janet Ajzenstat, Professor of Political Science at McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario, has joined the advisory board of the Protection of Conscience Project . . .

 

News Releases
1999

1 December, 1999
Protection of Conscience Project Launched

When the Markham-Stoufville Hospital in Ontario tried to force health care workers to assist in abortion, eight nurses stood their ground.  One of them died during the five years it took for the case to reach a human rights tribunal.  The hospital settled the case on the eve of the hearing, agreeing to financial compensation and a policy statement protecting rights of conscience . . .

16 November, 1999
Conscience Legislation for Health Care Workers to be debated in House of Commons

Bill C-207, which would protect health care providers, particularly nurses, from being forced to participate, against their wills, in abortion procedures or acts of euthanasia, will be debated in the House of Commons this week. Debate is currently scheduled for Thursday November 18 at 5:30pm . . .

 

October 11, 1999
Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons challenged to think about conscience rights

Canadian Physicians for Life calls on the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta to verify the alleged charges of women being bullied by pro-life physicians.

 

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