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0 - Page 6 of 6 - Protection of Conscience Project Library
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Conscientious objections in pharmacy practice in Great Britain

Zuzana Deans
Bioethics
Bioethics

Abstract
Pharmacists who refuse to provide certain services or treatment for reasons of conscience have been criticized for failing to fulfil their professional obligations. Currently, individual pharmacists in Great Britain can withhold services or treatment for moral or religious reasons, provided they refer the patient to an alternative source. The most high-profile cases have concerned the refusal to supply emergency hormonal contraception, which will serve as an example in this article.

I propose that the pharmacy profession’s policy on conscientious objections should be altered slightly. Building on the work of Brock and Wicclair, I argue that conscientious refusals should be acceptable provided that the patient is informed of the service, the patient is redirected to an alternative source, the refusal does not cause an unreasonable burden to the patient, and the reasons for the refusal are based on the core values of the profession. Finally, I argue that a principled categorical refusal by an individual pharmacist is not morally permissible. I claim that, contrary to current practice, a pharmacist cannot legitimately claim universal exemption from providing a standard service, even if that service is available elsewhere.


Deans Z. Conscientious objections in pharmacy practice in Great Britain. Bioethics. 2013 Jan;27(1):48-57. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8519.2011.01918.x. Epub
2011 Jul 29. PubMed PMID: 21797914.

Professional QOL of Japanese nurses/midwives providing abortion/childbirth care

M. Mizuno, E. Kinefuchi, R. Kimura

Nursing Ethics
Nursing Ethics

Abstract
This study explored the relationship between professional quality of life and emotion work and the major stress factors related to abortion care in Japanese obstetric and gynecological nurses and midwives. . . . Multiple regression analysis revealed that of all the evaluated variables, the Japanese version of the Frankfurt Emotional Work Scale score for negative emotions display was the most significant positive predictor of compassion fatigue and burnout. The stress factors “thinking that the aborted fetus deserved to live” and “difficulty in controlling emotions during abortion care” were associated with compassion fatigue. These findings indicate that providing abortion services is a highly distressing experience for nurses and midwives.


Mizuno M, Kinefuchi E, Kimura R. Professional QOL of Japanese nurses/midwives providing abortion/childbirth care. Nurs Ethics January 17, 2013 0969733012463723

Beyond abortion: Why the Personhood Movement Implicates Reproductive Choice

Jonathon F Will

American Journal of Law & Medicine
American Journal of Law & Medicine

Abstract
This paper describes the background of the Personhood Movement and its attempt to achieve legal protection of the preborn from the earliest moments of biological development. Following the late 2011 failure of the personhood measure in Mississippi, the language used within the Movement was dramatically changed in an attempt to address some of the concerns raised regarding implications for reproductive choice. Putting abortion to one side, this paper identifies why the personhood framework that is contemplated by the proposed changes does not eliminate the potential for restrictions on contraception and in vitro fertilization (IVF) that put the lives of these newly recognized persons at risk; nor should it if proponents intend to remain consistent with their position. The paper goes on to suggest what those restrictions might look like based on recent efforts being proposed at the state level and frameworks that have already been adopted in other countries.


Will JF. Beyond abortion: Why the Personhood Movement Implicates Reproductive Choice. Am J Law Med. 2013;39(573-616.

Assisted dying – the current situation in Flanders: euthanasia embedded in palliative care

Paul Vanden Berghe, Arsène Mullie, Marc Desmet, Gert Huysmans

European Journal of Palliative Care
European Journal of Palliative Care

Journal Summary
In Flanders (the Dutch-speaking, northern part of Belgium), in the course of the last ten years, physician-assisted dying and euthanasia have become embedded in palliative care. Paul Vanden Berghe, Arsène Mullie, Marc Desmet and Gert Huysmans, from the Federation of Palliative Care Flanders, describe how this major change happened and what issues it raises.


Berghe PV, Mullie A, Desmet M, Huysmans G. Assisted dying – the current situation in Flanders: euthanasia embedded in palliative care. European J Palliative Care. 2013;20(6):266-272.

The spread of conscience clause legislation

Claire Marshall

Human Rights
Human Rights

Summary
The article presents information on a proliferation in conscience clause legislation to federal and state laws in the U.S. The move is stated to be pitting individual religious autonomy against the public interest, mainly in the areas of education and health care.


Marshall C. The spread of conscience clause legislation. Human Rights [Internet]. 2013 Jan; 39(2), 15-16.