Private Religious Hospitals: Limitations Upon Autonomous Moral Choices in Reproductive Medicine

William W Bassett

Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy
Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy

Extract
“Conscience clauses,” protecting the free exercise of religion in ethical decision-making by religiously affiliated hospitals, I believe, should continue to be absolute in reproductive medicine where the hospitals are clearly and unmistakably religious and patient choices of providers are free and fully informed. This conclusion is compelled by the free exercise clause of the First Amendment, as well as by the national interest in preserving and promoting diversity in the voluntary health care sector.


Bassett WW. Private Religious Hospitals: Limitations Upon Autonomous Moral Choices in Reproductive Medicine. J Contemp Health Law Policy. 2001;17:455-583.