East Central Reporter

A nurse at Sarah Bush Lincoln (SBL) Health Center in Mattoon has resigned after saying she would not prescribe medication to white conservative males in the wake of the Dobbs v. Jackson decision by the U.S. Supreme Court which overturned the federal right to abortions under Roe v. Wade. 

The nurse resigned less than three days after sending out the self-described discriminating tweet. Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center is a 145-bed regional hospital. 

"A Sarah Bush Lincoln advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), who posted a discriminatory message on social media over the weekend, has resigned,” Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center said in a tweet. “The APRN apologized for the actions: ‘I am deeply sorry for my posts on social media. I allowed my personal feelings to spill out. Those hateful words are not aligned with how I have provided care to my patients. Sarah Bush Lincoln is a wonderful organization and my actions have tarnished its reputation. I have resigned and know my patients will be well cared for,’ the APRN said.” 

Jerry Esker, SBL president and CEO, is open to discussing this with the APRN and has said that "everyone is entitled to due process." He also added that their "mission is to provide exceptional care to all."

"That means we provide care to everyone regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, income, national origin, cultural personal values, beliefs and preferences," Esker said, according to the tweet. "Our mission is woven throughout our fabric and discriminatory practices are not tolerated. We are sorry this issue has caused such turmoil. We will continue to stand behind our mission and provide care to all. 

Included in the tweet was Esker saying that they "appreciate the outpour of concern."

The nurse’s tweet was elevated by the Libs of TikTok Twitter account. 

“Doctor at @sarahbushnews says she prescribes medication based on her patients’ political affiliation and race,” Libs of TikTok said in its tweet.

“I prescribe meds. I can also choose not to prescribe them. So … from now on ... if you are a white male who votes conservative, your penis needs to ask God for the power to rise. No more Viagra,” the nurse said Friday, after SCOTUS released its ruling.

Shawna Harris, whose LinkedIn account identifies her as a family nurse practitioner, was outed after the tweet. She is a graduate of Effingham High School and has been at SBL for over three years, according to her profile.