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Working with Human Tissues for Translational Cancer Research

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Professional right of conscience.

Margaret W Beal¹, Joyce Cappiello

¹MGH Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown Navy Yard, 36 First Avenue, Boston, MA 02129-4557, USA. margaret.beal@yale.edu

Journal of Midwifery & Women'S Health

|September 2, 2008

Summary

Healthcare professionals are increasingly asserting a right of conscience, impacting patient access to services like contraception. This trend expands upon the original abortion-related protections, leading to varied legislative responses and organizational guidance.

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Area of Science:

Medical Ethics
Healthcare Law
Public Health Policy

Background:

Growing trend of healthcare professionals invoking the right of conscience.
Expansion of this right beyond its original scope (e.g., abortion services).
Media attention focused on pharmacists denying contraception access.

Purpose of the Study:

Review the existing literature on provider right of conscience.
Discuss approaches recommended by professional organizations.
Analyze the expansion of conscience rights in healthcare.

Main Methods:

Literature review of provider right of conscience.
Analysis of state legislative actions.
Examination of professional organization guidelines.

Main Results:

The right of conscience is being invoked to deny a wider range of healthcare services.
State legislatures have enacted laws protecting either consumers or broadening provider rights.
Professional organizations offer diverse approaches to managing conscience objections.

Conclusions:

The expansion of conscience rights presents challenges to healthcare access.
Legislative and organizational strategies vary in addressing these conflicts.
Further examination is needed on balancing provider rights and patient needs.