Category: Countries

American Academy of Family Physicians President comments on obligations

Richard G. Roberts, MD, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, is reported to have said that physicians do not have a “statutory, constitutional or ethical” duty to perform procedures to which they object, but that the medical profession has an obligation to help patients access necessary legal services. The remarks appear to distinguish between personal and corporate obligations.

 

Irish Committee Reported Split on Abortion in Ireland

The Irish All-Party Committee on the Constitution has reportedly failed to reach a consensus on the legality of abortion in Ireland. It is believed that three different approaches will be proposed by the different political parties. There is no word on whether or not any of them will take note of issues of conscience. The Project made a submission to the Committee in June after testimony before the Committee indicated that many obstetricians would refuse to involve themselves in abortion for moral or religious reasons.

 

Pharmacists press for freedom of conscience in British Columbia

A resolution that would allow pharmacists to opt out of dispensing morally controversial products such as the Morning After Pill gained substantial support from pharmacists at the Annual General Meeting of the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia in Vancouver on October 12th. A news release from Concerned Pharmacists for Conscience noted that the loss of the show of hands vote was seen not as a defeat, but as a sign that more work is necessary.

 

Doctor’s abortion view ‘cost him job’

The North Glasgow Universities Trust has said it will look into the interview process involving Dr. Everett Julyan, 26, a Christian, states that he was denied employment with North Glasgow Universities Trust because he would not participate in abortion training. The matter is under investigation by the Trust. See Access to Appointments.