A group of nurses claims in a lawsuit a major New Jersey hospital has forced them to assist in performing abortions despite their religious objections.

The lawsuit was filed this week in federal court in Newark against the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

It claims the hospital changed its policy in September to require its employees to assist in abortions or be subject to termination. It says the requirement violates state and federal laws.

The nurses are seeking an injunction to force the hospital to change its policy and an order prohibiting it from retaliating against them.

The hospital says in a statement none of its nurses is required to participate in procedures he or she objects to on religious or moral grounds.

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