TORONTO, Apr 14 (Lifesitenews.com) – It appears that after a six-year-long battle, Markham Stouffville Hospital will finally allow its nurses to refuse to participate in abortions. In a deal, which has yet to be confirmed by the hospital, the hospital would implement a new policy of religious exemption from performing abortions for all nursing staff. Eight pro-life nurses had to bring the hospital before the Ontario Human Rights Commission before an agreement could be reached. Other details of the agreement are to remain confidential.
When they were hired in 1990, the nurses advised the hospital of their opposition to participation in abortions. In January 1993, a new hospital policy required obstetrical nurses to assist in second trimester abortions. Many nurses objected to this decision. Ten of the nurses advised management that they could not comply with the new policy, primarily for religious reasons, and were eventually all forced to resign their positions. A formal complaint was filed with the Human Rights Commission in the summer of 1994. In January 1998, a Human Rights Officer was finally assigned to the case and Board of Enquiry hearings were to finally begin this past Monday April 12. Instead, the nurses and the Hospital entered into negotiations to settle which concluded yesterday at 5 p.m.
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CALGARY HOSPITAL FORCING NURSES TO PARTICIPATE IN ABORTION