Opinion ID: 6986303
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The New Jersey Conscience Statute

Text: Shelton contends her refusals to participate in certain procedures were protected in the first instance by the New Jersey Conscience Statute. That statute provides in part: A-l. No person shall be required to perform or assist in the performance of an abortion or sterilization. A-3. The refusal to perform, assist in the performance of, or provide abortion services or sterilization procedures shall not constitute grounds for civil or criminal liability, disciplinary action or discriminatory treatment. N.J. Stat.ANN. 2A:65A-1, A-2, A-3 (West 1987). Shelton claims the Hospital’s actions violated the Conscience Statute. But Shelton did not plead that claim in her complaint. 10 Accordingly, that issue was not before the District Court (which made no mention of the statute in its Opinion), and is not now before us. 11