What do medical students think about conscientious objection? A cross-sectional study from Turkey

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Public Health Policy
• Sociology of Medicine

Background:

• Physicians' refusal to perform procedures based on conscience can impact human rights and public health.
• This study explores future physicians' perspectives on conscientious objection (CO) within an Eastern cultural context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate medical students' attitudes towards conscientious objection.
• To inform discussions on CO, particularly in regions influenced by Eastern values.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, multi-center online survey was administered to 2,188 medical students nationwide.
• Methodology adhered to the CHERRIES checklist for reporting online surveys.

Main Results:

• Approximately 50% of students support CO as a right.
• Two-thirds would seek alternative assignments if faced with a conflicting procedure; 8.2% would refuse outright.
• Support for CO was higher among male, more religious students, and those choosing medicine for pragmatic reasons.
• Students most frequently objected to extreme aesthetic procedures, euthanasia, hymen restoration, gender reassignment, and abortion.

Conclusions:

• Integrating CO education into undergraduate and postgraduate curricula is essential.
• Clear definitions and protocols for CO are needed to protect both patient rights and healthcare professionals' integrity.
• Open communication and dialogue among all stakeholders are crucial for addressing this sensitive issue.