CODE OF VIRGINIA

CONSCIENCE CLAUSE (§ 18.2-75)

Nothing in §§ 18.2-72, 18.2-73 or § 18.2-74 shall require a hospital or other
medical facility or physician to admit any patient under the provisions hereof
for the purpose of performing an abortion. In addition, any person who shall
state in writing an objection to any abortion or all abortions on personal,
ethical, moral or religious grounds shall not be required to participate in
procedures which will result in such abortion, and the refusal of such person,
hospital or other medical facility to participate therein shall not form the
basis of any claim for damages on account of such refusal or for any
disciplinary or recriminatory action against such person, nor shall any such
person be denied employment because of such objection or refusal. The written
objection shall remain in effect until such person shall revoke it in writing or
terminate his association with the facility with which it is filed.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 18.1-63.1; 1974, c. 679; 1975, cc. 14, 15.