05 LC 33
0830S
The
Senate Health and Human Services Committee offered the following substitute to
SB 123:
A
BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
AN ACT
To
amend Code Section 16_12_142 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating
to requiring medical facilities or physicians to perform abortions and requiring
others to assist, so as to provide that a pharmacist who states in writing an
objection to any abortion shall not be required to fill a prescription for a
drug if the pharmacist believes the drug would have the effect or possible
effect of terminating a pregnancy; to provide that such refusal shall not be the
basis for any claim for damages; to provide for the duration of the
effectiveness of the written objection; to provide for related matters; to
repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
BE
IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION
1.
Code
Section 16_12_142 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to
requiring medical facilities or physicians to perform abortions and requiring
others to assist, is amended by striking such Code section and inserting in its
place the following:
"16_12_142.
(a)
Nothing in this article shall require a
hospital or other medical facility or physician to admit any patient under the
provisions of this article for the purpose of performing an abortion. In
addition, any person who states in writing an objection to any abortion or all
abortions on moral or religious grounds shall not be required to participate in
procedures which will result in such abortion; and the refusal of the person to
participate therein shall not form the basis of any claim for damages on account
of such refusal or for any disciplinary or recriminatory action against the
person. The written objection shall remain in effect until the person revokes it
or terminates his association with the facility with which it is
filed.
(b)
Any pharmacist who states in writing an objection to any abortion or all
abortions on moral or religious grounds shall not be required to fill a
prescription for a drug which purpose is believed by the pharmacist to have the
effect or possible effect of terminating a pregnancy; and the refusal of the
person to fill such prescription shall not form the basis of any claim for
damages on account of such refusal or for any disciplinary or recriminatory
action against the person. The written objection shall remain in effect until
the person revokes it or terminates his or her association with the facility
with which it is
filed."
SECTION
2.
All
laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.