1. When the performing of an abortion on a human being or assisting thereat is contrary to the conscience or religious beliefs of any person, he may refuse to perform or assist in such abortion by filing a prior written refusal setting forth the reasons therefor with the appropriate and responsible hospital, person, firm, corporation or association, and no such hospital, person, firm, corporation or association shall discriminate against the person so refusing to act. A violation of the provisions of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor. 2. No civil action for negligence or malpractice shall be maintained against a person so refusing to act based on such refusal.
New York Legal Code