Robert Baker
Extract
The challenge is thus to accommodate conscience- based treatment refusals without jeopardizing the foundations of pluralistic medical professionalism. I believe that medical professionals functioning in pluralistic healthcare settings may be excused from providing certain information or services if they apologize to those in need of this aid, and if those in need of aid can be assured equitable access to the information or services in question. Note carefully, I am proposing conditions for excusing professionals who fail to maintain moral neutrality; I am not defending a right to conscience-based denials of healthcare, or ‘civil rights’ protections for refusers. . .Refusals to refer to other professionals or to transfer prescriptions are inexcusable.
Baker R. (Editorial) Conscience and the Unconscionable. Bioethics. 2009;23(5):350-352.