Section 51.1. Purpose and policy

(a) The purpose of this chapter is to assist persons and institutions subject to the provisions of section 5.2 of the act (43 P. S. § 955.2) to comply with the act of October 10, 1973 (P. L. 278, No. 78) (43 P. S. § § 955.2 and 961) prohibiting discrimination with respect to abortion and sterilization. This chapter will show what courses of conduct are considered by the Commission to be in violation of the act. Persons and institutions subject to the provisions of the act should govern themselves accordingly.

(b) It is the policy of the Commission, under the provisions of the 1973 amendment to the act, to prevent and eliminate discrimination based upon refusal or willingness to participate in abortion or sterilization procedures, consistent with the obligation of hospitals and other health care facilities to provide competent medical care.