The College Fix

Vanderbilt University has changed language in its nursing residency application, after two complaints were filed with the Department of Health and Human Services alleged Vanderbilt was in violation of federal abortion law.

The school sent out an update to its applicants Wednesday about changes to the application and a clarification of policy.

“While Vanderbilt expects all health care providers, including nurses who participate in the Nurse Residency Program’s Women’s Health Track, to provide compassionate care to all patients,” the statement reads, “no health care provider is required to participate in a procedure terminating a pregnancy if such participation would be contrary to an individual’s religious beliefs or moral convictions.”

Vanderbilt University Medical Center received $313.6 million of discretionary funding in the 2008, fifteenth on the list according to an HHS list of the top 50 recipients. The U.S. Code requires federally funded hospitals to give care providers the ability to opt out of abortion procedures for moral reasons.

Previously, the application contained language that stated nurses in the Women’s Health track of the residency program would be required to care for abortion patients.

“If you are chosen for the Nurse Residency Program in the Women’s Health track, you will be expected to care for women undergoing termination of pregnancy,” the application read.

“It is important that you are aware of this aspect of care and give careful consideration to your ability to provide compassionate care to women in these situations,” the application read. “If you feel you cannot provide care to women during this type of event, we encourage you to apply to a different track of the Nurse Residency Program to explore opportunities that may best fit your skills and career goals.”

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