Women would face further barriers to receiving healthcare under the proposed religious discrimination bill, advocates have warned, with the potential law overriding professional or employer obligations to treat patients. While conscientious objectors already exist in the medical world, patients are protected by professional guidelines that provide patients with right to information and referrals, while employment conditions can require patients have their needs met. “The law starts from the position that they have a right to do so unless that right is challenged,” she said. Carr said that could impact patients who needed urgent care, such as the morning after pill, with pharmacy chains and health centres with access guidelines in place no longer adhered to. “The bill has the practical effect of giving health practitioners are right to refuse health services if the refusal is motivated by their religious belief,” she said.

Source: The Guardian October 09, 2019 17:00 UTC