Utah § 76-7-306 - Refusal to participate, admit, or treat for abortion based on religious or moral grounds -- Cause of action.
Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-7-306 — Refusal to participate, admit, or treat for abortion based on religious or moral grounds -- Cause of action., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 76-7-306. Refusal to participate, admit, or treat for abortion based on religious or moral grounds -- Cause of action.
Effective 5/6/2026 76-7-306.
Refusal to participate, admit, or treat for abortion based on religious or moral grounds -- Cause of action.
(1)
As used in this section:
(a)
"Conscience" means the same as that term is defined in Section 63G-33-301.
(b)
"Health care facility" means the same as that term is defined in Section 26B-2-201.
(c)
"Health care provider" means an individual who is an employee of, has practice privileges at, or is otherwise associated with a health care facility.
(2)
A health care provider may, on the grounds of religious belief or conscience, refuse to perform or participate in any way, in:
(a)
an abortion;
(b)
a procedure that is intended to, or likely to, result in the termination of a pregnancy; or
(c)
the disposal of remains resulting from an abortion or a procedure described in Subsection (2)(b).
(3)
Except as otherwise required by law, a health care facility may refuse, on the grounds of religious belief or conscience, to:
(a)
admit a patient for an abortion procedure or another procedure that is intended to, or likely to, result in the termination of a pregnancy; or
(b)
perform for a patient an abortion procedure or another procedure that is intended to, or likely to, result in the termination of a pregnancy.
(4)
A health care provider's refusal under Subsection (2) or a health care facility's refusal under Subsection (3) may not be the basis for civil liability or other recriminatory action.
(5)
A health care facility, employer, or other person may not take an adverse action against a health care provider for exercising the health care provider's right of refusal described in Subsection (2), or for bringing or threatening to bring an action described in Subsection (6), including:
(a)
dismissal;
(b)
demotion;
(c)
suspension;
(d)
discipline;
(e)
discrimination;
(f)
harassment;
(g)
retaliation;
(h)
adverse change in status;
(i)
termination of, adverse alteration of, or refusal to renew an association or agreement; or
(j)
refusal to provide a benefit, privilege, raise, promotion, tenure, or increased status that the health care provider would have otherwise received.
(6)
(a)
A person who is adversely impacted by conduct prohibited in Subsection (5) may bring a civil action for equitable relief, including reinstatement, and for damages.
(b)
A person who brings an action under this section must commence the action within three years after the day on which the cause of action arises.
Section 76-7-306 ("Refusal to participate, admit, or treat for abortion based on religious or moral grounds -- Cause of action.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 76-7-306?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-7-306" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 76-7-306 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
