Which principle applies when a patient requests an abortion but the physician objects on ethical grounds?

Which principle applies when a patient requests an abortion but the physician objects on ethical grounds?

• A. The physician must perform abortion regardless of belief
• B. The physician must refer to another physician
• C. The physician must discontinue the patient relationship
• D. The physician must report patient to authorities

Answer: (B)

The principle here is conscientious objection balanced with patient access. A physician may refuse to perform an abortion on ethical or moral grounds, but must still ensure the patient can obtain the service by providing a timely referral to a qualified provider or arranging a transfer of care. This respects the physician’s moral integrity while prioritizing the patient’s right to access legal medical care. The other options impose the procedure against the clinician’s beliefs, abandon the patient, or misapply duties (such as reporting the patient), none of which fit ethical practice in this scenario.

The principle here is conscientious objection balanced with patient access. A physician may refuse to perform an abortion on ethical or moral grounds, but must still ensure the patient can obtain the service by providing a timely referral to a qualified provider or arranging a transfer of care. This respects the physician’s moral integrity while prioritizing the patient’s right to access legal medical care. The other options impose the procedure against the clinician’s beliefs, abandon the patient, or misapply duties (such as reporting the patient), none of which fit ethical practice in this scenario.