How to discourage belief-based denial of abortion care.

Abstract

The exercise of so-called 'conscientious objection' in reproductive healthcare is unchecked and subject to widespread abuse. A growing body of evidence shows that the practice creates significant harms for patients needing abortions by delaying their care or depriving them of care, sometimes even costing their lives. We have coined the more accurate term 'belief-based care denial' as the phrase 'conscientious objection' was inappropriately co-opted from military conscientious objection, with which it has nothing in common. In this article, we note the evidence against belief-based care denial, refute fallacies in the views that support the practice, and recommend measures to reduce the number of care deniers over time, with the prospect of an eventual return to the ethical standard that obligates healthcare professionals to provide medical care.