Number: RL34703
Title: The History and Effect of Abortion Conscience Clause Laws
Authors: Jon O. Shimabukuro, American Law Division 
Abstract: Conscience clause laws allow medical providers to refuse to provide services to which they have religious or moral objections. In some cases, these laws are designed to excuse such providers from performing abortions. While substantive conscience clause legislation has not been approved, appropriations bills that include conscience clause provisions have been passed. This report describes the history of conscience clauses as they relate to abortion law and provides a legal analysis of the effects of such laws. The report also reviews recent proposed regulations to implement some of the conscience clause laws.
Pages: 7
Date: October 8, 2008