Medics who conscientiously object to abortion are facing pressure to sacrifice their principles or change job, MPs were told in report released in July.
Witnesses to the All Party Parliamentary Pro-Life Group gave numerous examples of people who had been sidelined because of their view on abortion, despite conscientious objection being recognised in the 1967 Abortion Act.
In a report, the parliamentarians responded by saying they were ‘gravely concerned’, and support introducing ‘reasonable accommodation’ of conscience into law. The inquiry members, seven MPs and one member of the House of Lords, were told by some witnesses that a career in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O & G) is almost ‘out of the question’ for those with a conscientious objection to abortion.
Offered counselling
Medical student Sarah Mason reported that a friend had been offered counselling and time off when she made her views on abortion clear. And a doctor wrote that pressure to take part in abortions since the Abortion Act has been so great that many have been put off a career in O & G.
The British Medical Association noted that some doctors ‘have complained of being harassed and discriminated against because of their conscientious objection to abortion’.
