In the hospital's view, her deepest beliefs are insignificant, merely private morality. Today, assisting with abortion is the only hospital procedure which requires the nurse to leave aside her conscience. Disclaimer dropped The clause is restrictive as to the sort of nurse hospitals will hire in the future. Her suitability will be judged on how immature her ethical awareness is and on how well she does whatever she is told, even if that means destroying human life. Following Nurses for Life's public revelation of, and objection to, this disclaimer, Toronto Western and Women's College Hospitals have agreed to drop the clause from employment applications.
Similar provisions exist in France and Germany.
Premier Grant Devine's government in Saskatchewan is planning to include a conscience clause in its amendments to the Health Act. The Canadian and Ontario Medical Associations, whose members have the right to refuse to perform abortions, support the nurses in principle. Ontario Health Minister Elinor Caplan or her aides. She and her Ministry remain silent on an issue of profound moral concern to hundreds of nurses.