Tag: Ian Bassett

Health professionals conscience objection to abortion at risk, court told

Wellington Higher Courts Reporter

A health professionals’ group has gone to court over the right to having a conscientious objection to providing abortion services, without adversely affecting employment.

At the High Court in Wellington on Monday the New Zealand Health Professionals Alliance asked Justice Rebecca Ellis​ to make a declaration that the abortion law was inconsistent with the Bill of Rights Act.

Lawyer Ian Bassett​ said a change to the law on March 24, 2020, raised the concern that the new law contained a “coercive” element. . . [Full text]

Health practitioners sue Crown over abortion legislation

Newshub

Rachel Thomas for RNZ

A group of health practitioners who conscientiously object to abortion are in the High Court today, suing the Crown over new legislation.

A new requirement in the Abortion Legislation Act 2020 requires a practitioner who objects to abortion to refer the patient to a doctor who can help them.

The Health Professionals’ Alliance is fighting for a declaration that the new law interferes with the Bill of Rights Act.

Before Justice Rebecca Ellis, plaintiff Ian Bassett argued part of the Abortion Legislation Act 2020 infringes on a health practitioners rights: “Namely the rights to freedom of conscience without interference”. . . [Full text]