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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Virtual Hand with Ambiguous Movement between the Self and Other Origin: Sense of Ownership and 'Other-Produced' Agency

Virtual Hand with Ambiguous Movement between the Self and Other Origin: Sense of Ownership and 'Other-Produced' Agency

Published on: October 28, 2020

Are there different spheres of conscience?

Erica J Sutton¹, Ross E G Upshur

¹Collaborative Program in Bioethics, University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice

|April 7, 2010

Summary

This study examines conscience and conscientious objection in medicine. It challenges existing hierarchies, considers public perspectives, critiques review boards, and proposes conscientious objection as a human right.

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Last Updated: Jun 14, 2026

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Published on: March 8, 2019

Area of Science:

Bioethics
Medical Law
Human Rights

Background:

Recent academic interest in conscience and conscientious objection in medicine.
Need for a comprehensive ethical and legal framework.

Purpose of the Study:

Challenge the hierarchy of conscientious objection in healthcare.
Incorporate public perspectives into the debate.
Critique proposals for review boards.
Frame conscientious objection as a potential human right.

Main Methods:

Literature review and critical analysis.
Ethical framework development.
Legal and human rights principles integration.

Main Results:

Existing hierarchies of conscientious objection are questioned.
Public perception is crucial but often overlooked.
Review board proposals face significant ethical and practical challenges.
Conscientious objection aligns with established human rights principles.

Conclusions:

Re-evaluating the ethical standing of conscientious objection in medicine is necessary.
Public engagement is vital for policy development.
Conscientious objection should be recognized as a fundamental human right, supported by international principles.