Comment & Controversy

A physician should not be compelled to perform any procedure

I find the conclusion of Case #1 in Dr. O’Hanlan’s article to be questionable. Is the physician really discriminating against the lesbian couple?

I’m pro-life. I cannot be compelled to perform an abortion, nor will I help a patient obtain one under any circumstances, despite the fact that abortion is legal. So how is the situation described in the case any different? If a physician doesn’t feel morally or ethically comfortable with any medical procedure, he or she should not be compelled to perform it. Am I discriminating against a woman who wants an abortion when I refuse to provide it? I think not.