The Community Medical Ethics project has invited guest Mark Wicclair to discuss conscientious objections and provisions of health care in our involving landscape.

When most people think of conscientious objection, they are likely to associate it with military service. However, it increasingly arises in health care as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists refuse requests for services, such as abortion, contraception, assisted reproduction, aid-in-dying, and gender affirming care. The presentation defines conscientious objection and distinguishes between conscientious refusals and conscientious provision. It addresses a key issue: Whether to accommodate health professionals who refuse to provide a medical service for reasons of conscience. Reasons for and against accommodation are considered, and an ethical framework is offered for deciding whether requests for accommodation should be granted.