Let Conscience Be Their Guide? Conscientious Refusals in Reproductive Health Care

Many bioethicists and health-policy makers are currently struggling with what to do about conscientious refusals by health care professionals to provide standard health care services, such as abortions. The proposed research addresses this complex moral and legal issue. Our team will conduct rigorous analyses of when conscientious refusals--in particular those that occur in reproductive health care--are morally and legally permissible, and of which policies and educational initiatives we need in Canada with respect to these refusals. Our practical aim is to encourage delivery of reproductive health care services that is appropriately respectful of conscience and that safeguards women's reproductive health.