Federal provider conscience regulation: unconscionable. Issue 8 (30th July 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Card, R
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical ethics. Volume 35:Issue 8(2009)
• Page Start: 471
• Page End: 472
• Publication Date: 2009-07-30
• Subjects: Medical ethics -- Periodicals; 174.2
• DOI: 10.1136/jme.2009.030411
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-6800

Abstract

Abstract : This paper argues that the provider conscience regulation recently put into place in the USA is misguided. The rule is too broad in the scope of protection it affords, and its conception of what constitutes assistance in the performance of an objectionable procedure reveals that it is unworkable in practice. Furthermore, the regulation wrongly treats refusal of other reproductive services as on a par with conscientious objection to participation in abortion. Finally, the rule allows providers to refuse even to discuss "objectionable" options with patients and serves to protect discriminatory refusals of medical care. For all of these reasons, this regulation is unwise.