After reading the ACLJ’s recent article detailing a pro-life legal victory against a hospital that was forcing medical professionals to participate in abortions, President Trump’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reached out to the ACLJ – and has now launched a federal investigation into the hospital. Indeed, what a difference a new administration can make.
This critical Trump administration involvement is a direct result of our legal action standing up for these brave medical professionals. Our legal efforts were on behalf of five ultrasound technicians in New Mexico who were concerned that they would soon be compelled to participate in abortion procedures, despite their deeply held religious beliefs. Acting on this information, the federal government has now launched a formal investigation into the hospital’s conduct.
Sign Petition: Stop Forcing Medical Professionals To Perform Abortions.
Our conviction is simple. Christians should not be forced to perform services that run counter to their religious beliefs and conscience. This often becomes an issue in the medical field when health systems apply immense pressure on pro-life healthcare professionals to assist in abortion procedures. Under the Biden administration, the rights of pro-life professionals took a significant hit after it rolled back conscience protections in 2022, leaving religious medical workers vulnerable.
But this action by Trump’s HHS shows that federal agencies still have a role to play in enforcing the law when medical professionals are targeted for their religious beliefs. This move by HHS marks a major step forward in ensuring that the conscience rights of healthcare workers are respected under the law.
The launch of this investigation also shows that pro-life advocates can likely breathe a little easier, as HHS Secretary RFK Jr. appears to have meant it when he stated during a confirmation hearing, “I agree with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy,” and “I serve at the pleasure of the president. I’m going to implement his policies.”
As we previously shared, Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque changed its policies in late 2024 to require participation in abortion procedures – even for longtime employees with religious objections. When these five ultrasound technicians expressed their concern about the hospital’s new direction, they were told that refusing to comply could lead to reassignment or even termination.
That’s when we stepped in with legal representation. We sent a demand letter outlining the hospital’s obligations under federal law – including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Church Amendments – which prohibit employers from discriminating against employees who object to participating in abortions on religious grounds.
Soon after, the hospital reversed course and granted religious accommodations to each of our clients. But that’s not where the story ends.
The kind of enforcement just announced by the HHS Office for Civil Rights action is both rare and significant. It sends a powerful message to healthcare institutions across the country: You cannot force medical professionals to choose between their careers and their faith.
We commend the Trump administration for taking this issue seriously and moving to protect religious liberty in the healthcare context. This review reinforces what we’ve long argued – that federal law means what it says when it promises protection for those who refuse to take part in the destruction of human life.
It also demonstrates the power of strategic legal advocacy. Without intervention, these five workers may have had to choose between their jobs and following their religious convictions. Because we acted – and because the law is on their side – they kept their positions and their integrity. And the Trump administration’s action is only possible because our clients were willing to take a stand.
The ACLJ will continue defending the rights of pro-life professionals around the country. If you or someone you know is being pressured to participate in abortions or any procedure that violates their faith, we are here to help.
This is a victory not just for the five brave ultrasound techs in New Mexico – but also for every person who believes that no American should be forced to violate their conscience to keep their job. Lend your voice to our efforts to defend medical professionals. Sign the petition: Stop Forcing Medical Professionals To Perform Abortions.
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