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Medical students' attitudes towards conscientious objection: a survey
Sven Jakob Nordstrand1, Magnus Andreas Nordstrand1, Per Nortvedt1
1Centre for Medical Ethics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Journal of Medical Ethics
|August 16, 2013
Summary
Norwegian medical students object to euthanasia and ritual circumcision. While many support a right to conscientious objection, overall tolerance for medical professionals refusing participation is moderate to low.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Bioethics
- Medical Education
Background:
- Conscientious objection is a complex ethical issue in healthcare.
- Medical students' perspectives are crucial for understanding future healthcare provider attitudes.
- Controversial medical procedures raise questions about professional obligations and personal beliefs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the views of Norwegian medical students regarding conscientious objection.
- To explore student opinions on participation in and tolerance of objections to controversial medical procedures.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study was conducted.
- The study surveyed 5th and 6th-year medical students in Norway.
- Response rate was 59% (531 out of 893 students).
Main Results:
- A significant proportion of students object to euthanasia (62%) and ritual circumcision (52%).
- Tolerance for conscientious objection varied, with higher acceptance for euthanasia (89%) and ritual circumcision (72%) compared to abortion.
- Most students did not support conscientious objection for referrals, even for procedures they personally opposed.
Conclusions:
- Conscientious objection is a relevant issue for various medical procedures beyond abortion.
- While many students support a right to object to participation in procedures like euthanasia, general tolerance for conscientious objectors is moderate or low.
- Student views highlight a tension between individual rights to object and the broader provision of healthcare services.
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