Case Study 2: A Matter of Freedom

Recently there have been a number of cases involving health care practitioners refusing to
provide services based on their religious beliefs. To answer the following questions, two
freedoms must be examined. For the patient, the argument will often be presented as a matter
of self- determination, the right to personal autonomy, or relief from suffering. For the
practitioner, the argument will often focus on the right to act on his or her personal
conscience. Can our society force an individual or religious institution to violate their
personal consciences?

1. Can a physician be sued for violating state antidiscrimination laws because of his or
her refusal to artificially inseminate a patient involved in a lesbian relationship?
Answer: Yes.

2. Can a nurse working in a pediatric ward refuse to be vaccinated for common

childhood diseases?
Answer: No.

3. Can a pharmacist refuse to provide “day after pills”? Why would these be different
from the other contraceptives?
Answer: No. The General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) guidelines state that the religion,
personal values or beliefs of pharmacy professionals may influence “day-to-day practice,
particularly whether they feel able to provide certain services”. However, the guidelines also
advise pharmacists to “respect cultural differences” and make sure every person is treated
fairly whatever their personal views. It also states that pharmacists should “recognize their
own values and beliefs but not impose them on other people” and that they should “take
responsibility for ensuring that person-centered care is not compromised because of personal
values and beliefs”. There is no difference between the “day after pills” and the other
contraceptives because there both purpose is to prevent pregnancy, only is that “day after
pills” are taken after an intercourse.

4. Does a catholic hospital have a legal duty to permit obstetricians to perform

sterilization immediately after giving birth?
Answer: No.
Would it matter if the hospital accepted any federal monies?
Answer: No.

5. How would you handle a work situation where you were asked to perform a service
that went against your personal conscience?
Answer: Duty always comes first in our profession. Even if the procedure that we are going
to perform is against in our personal conscience we don’t have any choice as long as it’s
permitted by the rules and regulations of the health care unit and its laws. It’s either we quit
or do the job. For me, I would do the job and work on my personal duty as a professional.