An editorial in the Toronto Star notes that some physicians are refusing to continue with families when parents refuse to allow their children to be vaccinated. In most cases the refusals are prompted by distrust of conventional medicine and fear of side effects. The editorial supports those who recommend that physicians keep objecting families in their practices so that children can continue to get good medical care and to provide the opportunity to convince unwilling parents to consent to vaccination. [Toronto Star]
Defeated political party leader considers abandoning support for freedom of conscience
Danielle Smith, leader of Alberta’s Wildrose Party, is reported to be thinking of reconsidering the party’s support for freedom of conscience following the party’s defeat in the recent provincial election. The premier of the province, who stated that she was “frightened” by freedom of conscience, was re-elected with a large majority. [National Post]
U.K. health authority fails in bid to force nurse to work into abortion facility
The National Health Service Trust in the Midlands has given up its attempt to force an objecting nurse to work in an abortion facility attached to a hospital. The nurse, citing the protection of conscience provision in the Abortion Act, refused to do so. She was threatened with dismissal, but the Trust backed down when it received a letter from her lawyer and consulted legal counsel.[LifeSiteNews]
British General Medical Council proposes to force physicians to set aside “personal beliefs”
Britain’s General Medical Council has released a draft document for consultation that proposes to force physicians to facilitate practices to which they object for reasons of conscience by helping patients find someone who will provide the procedures. The proposal would also prohibit physicians from explaining their beliefs to patients “in ways that. . . are likely to cause them distress” – a subjective requirement open to abuse by disgruntled patients. Comments are sought from 18 April, 2012 to 13 June, 2012. [Document] [GMC] [Bioedge]
Midwives to appeal ruling against freedom of conscience
Two Catholic midwives will appeal a ruling by the Court of Session in Edinburgh that they must facilitate abortions by supervising and supporting nurses involved with the procedure. [BBC]
- Scottish judge rules objecting midwives can be forced to facilitate abortions
- Statement by Glasgow midwives after abortion judgment
Herald Scotland:
- How much conscience can the NHS afford? Columnists Sun 4 Mar 2012
- Catholic midwives lose legal fight over abortions Home News Thu 1 Mar 2012
- Midwives lose legal bid over abortions Health Wed 29 Feb 2012
- Doctors back midwives in court action Health Mon 23 Jan 2012
- Midwives’ abortion battle described as landmark case Home News Thu 19 Jan 2012