BMA amends guidance on abortion

The BMA's medical ethics committee has amended its guidance on abortion to take account of the resolution passed by the 1999 annual representative meeting, which abhorred the harassment of doctors "who conscientiously object to participation in termination of pregnancy"

In its guidance, The Law and Ethics of Abortion: BMA Views, the committee has added the following paragraph:
"Some doctors have complained of being harassed and discriminated against because of their conscientious objection to termination of pregnancy. The association abhors such behaviour and any BMA members who feel they are being pressured to participate in terminations of pregnancy contrary to their conscience, or are being harassed in this way, should contact their regional office for advice and support"

The Abortion Law Reform Association has asked the BMA whether doctors should reveal their conscientious objection to their patients. The guidance now includes the following statement:

"Doctors with a conscientious objection to abortion should make their views known to patients seeking termination of pregnancy and should ensure that the treatment or advice they provide is not affected by their personal views"

The above was reported in The British Medical Journal. 2nd October 1999.  (Br Med J. 1999:319;925)