Refusal to Provide Medical Services

ABORTION REFUSAL CLAUSE

Utah allows certain individuals or entities to refuse to provide abortion services.

To whom does the refusal clause apply? Private or denominational hospitals, physicians or other persons associated with, employed by, or on the staff of a hospital.

What does the refusal clause allow? No physician or other person associated with, employed by, or on the staff of a hospital, who objects on moral or religious grounds, may be required to participate in medical procedures that result in an abortion. The refusal to participate may not be a basis for damages, disciplinary action, or other recriminatory action. Moral or religious objections to abortion may not be a basis for discrimination in hiring in the state. No private or denominational hospital may be required to admit a woman for the purpose of performing an abortion.

Does the law require the refusing entity to notify the persons affected? No.

Are there circumstances under which a refusal clause may not be exercised? No.

Does the law require the refusing individual or entity to provide medically and factually accurate information or provide a referral for abortion services? No.

Does the law provide a mechanism for women to otherwise obtain specific reproductive health services, information, or referrals if an individual and/or entity exercises a refusal clause? No.

Utah Code Ann. § 76-7-306 (Original Statute Enacted 1973; Repealed and Reenacted 1974; Last Amended 1995).