Nurses, Hospital Argue Details in Abortion Lawsuit

Attorneys for one of New Jersey's largest hospitals and 12 nurses laid out their arguments over a lawsuit in federal court Friday. The nurses claim the hospital forced them to assist in abortions over their moral objections.

The suit claims UMDNJ changed its policies this fall and required the nurses to undergo training in assisting abortions or risk termination. The hospital denies the claim.

On Dec. 2, the hospital sent the nurses a letter saying it would hire additional staff to assist in abortions. But an attorney for the nurses says that might still allow the hospital to transfer them to other units, which would constitute discrimination.

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