Pro-life doctor fights state law forcing him to act against his religion

Obstetrician Dr. Robert Lawler is fighting a new Illinois state law that forces him and other health providers to assist people in getting abortions, even though it's against his faith and religious convictions.

He spoke to Tucker Carlson Friday on Fox News about it.

"Last year that state passed a law that requires all doctors," Carlson explained, "pharmacists and pregnancy centers to assist pregnant women in getting abortions, even if they are morally opposed to killing."

"You're a pro-life physician," he continued, "obviously you believe that abortion is the taking of a life. You're morally opposed to it. You are now required by the state of Illinois to facilitate it, or to recommend a place to get one, if asked?"

"That's correct, Tucker, in fact," Lawler responded, "we're supposed to counsel the patient on the purported benefits of abortion, which, of course, there are none, and then if asked to provide a referral for an abortion, and also provide a list of nearby abortion facilities, where the vulnerable woman can procure the abortion."

"A clear violation of our conscience rights," he concluded.

"What if you don't do it, what if you disobey?" asked Carlson.

"Well there can be sanctions and penalties and I suppose eventually," Lawler replied, "removal of your medical license. I guess that's where this is heading isn't it, down the road. And that's the concern and that's why we're filing suit against Governor Rauner and the state of Illinois with the fine attorneys at the Thomas More Society to really stop this egregious attempt, an end-around if you will, of the existence conscience laws that exist on the federal and the state books."

"As you recall I'm an obstetrician so by the very nature I have two patients," Lawler explained, "I have a mother and a baby. And it's ludicrous to think that I could refer my patients off, one to be executed and the other to be mortally wounded for the rest of her life with the sense of regret."

"So we're trying to do the exact opposite," he concluded, "we're trying to offer an alternative to that terrible decision."

Illinois' SB 1564 act changes the state's Health Care Right of Conscience Act to force pro-life doctors and pharmacists to assist patients in obtaining abortions.

"I cannot and will not comply with this law that is a complete affront to my conscience beliefs, my firmly held religious beliefs, that life is sacred," Lawler added. "I became a physician to help people, not to harm them."