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[Conscientious objection in the clinical setting. A proposal for its appropriate use]
A Couceiro1, J A Seoane, P Hernando
1Facultad de Medicina (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Bizcaia, España. acouceiro@arrakis.es
Summary
Conscientious objection in healthcare is often misused, negatively impacting patients and professionals. This paper clarifies its meaning in a pluralistic society, analyzing illegitimate uses within legal and ethical frameworks.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Bioethics
- Healthcare Law
Context:
- Evolving doctor-patient relationships due to social changes and technology.
- Misuse of conscientious objection in clinical settings.
- Need for balancing individual ethical beliefs with legal obligations.
Purpose:
- Define conscientious objection in a pluralistic, deliberative democratic society.
- Analyze the legitimate and illegitimate invocation of conscientious objection.
- Examine legal and jurisprudential aspects in Spain.
Summary:
- Explores the concept of conscientious objection within contemporary healthcare.
- Critically analyzes specific clinical contexts where its invocation is deemed inappropriate.
- Discusses the legal and ethical literature, including Spanish jurisprudence.
Impact:
- Aims to reduce negative consequences of misused conscientious objection on patients, professionals, and institutions.
- Provides a framework for respecting individual ethics while upholding the Rule of Law.
- Contributes to a clearer understanding of ethical boundaries in healthcare provision.
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