The challenges of the conscientious objector physician

Abstract

Conscientious objection is defined as the right to refuse the practice of an act of his profession, when this action conflicts with their conscience, offending his ethical, moral, religious, philosophical, ideological, or humanitarian principles. This was called into question in the report entitled “The situation of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the EU, in the frame of women’s health”, better known as the Matic Report, approved by the European Parliament. In this report, it was proposed to consider “conscientious objection as a refusal to provide medical care”. However, this is a right that should be considered inalienable. It is necessary to guarantee not only the autonomy of the patient but also that of the health care professional.