Shortly after Dr. Morgentaler sent a letter to the province offering to collaborate with the province to open a clinic to address the need for abortions, Hatfield’s Progressive Conservative government passed An Act to Amend An Act Respecting the New Brunswick Medical Society and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick. The Bill amended the New Brunswick Medical Act to make it an offence for doctors to perform abortions outside of approved hospitals. The prohibition meant that a physician could have their license restricted or suspended prior to any hearing. The Minister of Health was responsible for approving the hospitals that could provide abortions, and for requesting that the College of Physicians and Surgeons initiate proceedings against physicians who provided abortions outside of hospitals.