(Oct 2024) Article: Belief-based care denial – Let’s change the terms of the debate
The term “conscientious objection” is dishonest when applied to healthcare. A more accurate term is Belief-based care denial. This phrase makes it clear that treatment is being refused due to ideological reasons and not clinical considerations. Care denials are not conscientious because they cause harms to patients and create barriers to care. The new term also illuminates the contradiction of a doctor elevating their personal interests above their duty to provide healthcare, even though doctors are bound by regulations and ethical codes that prioritize patient interests.
by Joyce Arthur, Initiative for Reproductive Health Information (IRHI), joyce@joycearthur.com
Source: Rabble.ca