In California, a federal judge ruled that doctors and hospitals cannot be forced to perform abortions; at least not yet.  And pharmacists are asking the Illinois Supreme Court to relieve them of having to fill prescriptions for the morning-after pill. The California case involves a difference between federal and state law that could deprive California of federal money if doctors are forced to perform abortions against their moral or religious objections. Mike Spence is Vice-President of the California Life Council.

"It's very important in our country that we recognize that there should be exemptions for people that don't want to participate in killing unborn children." 

In Illinois, Sandy Rios, President of the Culture Campaign, underlines that sentiment on the basis of the First Amendment.

"We have a right to do what is congruent with our personal convictions and that's guaranteed to us" 

But Rios says the opposition, those who want every medical professional and every hospital to be stripped of the freedom to refuse, has declared war on conscience.

"I would say the left wants a worldview that accepts anything in terms of morality."

Spence speculates it's to make Christians think twice before entering the medical field.

"I mean they're very zealous in pursuit of justifying their positions and it that means forcing people of faith out of the medical profession, I'm sure they're willing to do it."

Dawn Vargo, Associate Bio-Ethics Analyst at Focus on the Family Action says legislation is needed.

"It's really important for all healthcare providers to have safeguards in place both on the state and federal level so that they don't have to choose between the conscience and their careers."

The issue of conscience in healthcare exists in many states.     

In California, a federal judge ruled that doctors and hospitals cannot be forced to perform abortions; at least not yet.  And pharmacists are asking the Illinois Supreme Court to relieve them of having to fill prescriptions for the morning-after pill. The California case involves a difference between federal and state law that could deprive California of federal money if doctors are forced to perform abortions against their moral or religious objections. Mike Spence is Vice-President of the California Life Council.

"It's very important in our country that we recognize that there should be exemptions for people that don't want to participate in killing unborn children." 

In Illinois, Sandy Rios, President of the Culture Campaign, underlines that sentiment on the basis of the First Amendment.

"We have a right to do what is congruent with our personal convictions and that's guaranteed to us" 

But Rios says the opposition, those who want every medical professional and every hospital to be stripped of the freedom to refuse, has declared war on conscience.

"I would say the left wants a worldview that accepts anything in terms of morality."

Spence speculates it's to make Christians think twice before entering the medical field.

"I mean they're very zealous in pursuit of justifying their positions and it that means forcing people of faith out of the medical profession, I'm sure they're willing to do it."

Dawn Vargo, Associate Bio-Ethics Analyst at Focus on the Family Action says legislation is needed.

"It's really important for all healthcare providers to have safeguards in place both on the state and federal level so that they don't have to choose between the conscience and their careers."

The issue of conscience in healthcare exists in many states.