Protection of Conscience Project News
Service, not Servitude
New Zealand Herald
A woman left her general practice in tears after a doctor told her she was “immoral and risking hellfire” for seeking an abortion. Discreetly, the female receptionist rushed after the woman and slipped her a card for a doctor who could help her.
Another woman visited three different doctors for an abortion – and each time was shown the door. . . [Full text]
Hawthorn Caller
A group of doctors opposed to abortion say they will fight any moves in looming reforms to erode their rights to refuse to deal with patients wanting abortions. The issue of referring patients seeking abortions to another doctor has drawn opposition from the group.
Justice Minister Andrew Little says he agrees with a Law Commission proposal for doctors who are “conscientious objectors” to abortion to be made to directly refer a patient on to another doctor who they know will provide the service.
Currently, such doctors only have to advise the patient they can get the service elsewhere without specifying where. . . [Full text]
The Chair of the New Zealand Medical Association has stated that the Association would continue to be opposed to euthanasia even if the procedure were legalized.[EPC]The statement clearly indicates that conflicts of conscience would arise among health care professionals were New Zealand to permit or require their involvement in providing euthanasia or assisted suicide.