Conscientious objection in health care is defined as a health care worker’s right to refuse giving or performing service that is in contrast with their personal beliefs. This is mostly applied in cases concerning abortion and other reproductive technologies, assisted suicide, and embryonic stem cell research. Some argues that regardless of the physician’s belief, medical services should be provided for the patient as long as it is legal. On the other hand, those who are in favor of conscientious objection argues that forcing health care workers to perform services which they do not deem morally right is unacceptable and imprudent. I agree that at our moral convictions are very important. For instance if a physician is forced to perform abortion even though he/she is strongly against it, it will cause moral distress that will not be beneficial for his/her professional performance. This can cause much trauma and stress on the physician that can result to burnout as well as dissatisfaction on the job. It can also result to suboptimal patient care . However, if a patient has opposing beliefs, the physician should not in any way stand between the patient and another physician who might give the desired service. Health care workers are still obliged to promote and continue health and save lives. In the example given regarding abortion, autonomy is applied when the physician respects the decision of the woman and instead refer her to someone who could provide the needed service. Beneficence and nonmaleficence is also seen in the situation since the physician wants what is good for the patient. Had the physicians been forced to do services that they abhor, they may not be able to carry their task well and cause further harm to the patient. Lastly, justice is served when physicians refer the woman to other physicians that can help her. In this case, the physician still was able to perform part of his/her obligation and was able to help the patient.
Reference
Genuis, S. J., & Lipp, C. (2013). Ethical Diversity and the Role of Conscience in Clinical Medicine. International Journal of Family Medicine, 1-18.
