Conscience clauses - Assignment Example

Conscience Clause Affiliation Conscience Clause Conscience clauses are ized clauses linked to statutes in some parts of the United States, that allow physicians, pharmacists and other healthcare providers not to deliver some medical services for reasons of conscience or religion. In many occasions, the clauses also do authorize health care providers to deny to refer patients to unrestricted providers. According to Pellegrino, (2002), those that choose not to provide services or refer patients cannot be discriminated or disciplined against.

The establishment is most often endorsed by association with problems concerning reproduction, such as sterilization, stem cell, contraception and abortion based treatments. However, it may also involve any segment of patient care. This conscientious opposition to health care continuously affects an individual well-being or access to health care since the oppositions interfere with the provision of health services. If faced with an issue of abortion, this use of the conscience clause is significant so as to save the life of the unborn child.

Abortion is a concrete issue that a woman decides due to pressure from family or his partner. Asking the patient questions in a sympathetic manner will make her open up to discuss the issue with you. So the woman might be in a confusing situation and as a health care provider, you must be capable of coming up with answers that can save the situation. Referring her to another hospital is not a solution. Since the woman sees abortion as the only way of being accepted back into her clan, counselling her will help rethink on her decision.

In addition, you can refer her to a professional counsellor who will discuss with her on what best to do. ReferencesPellegrino, E. D. (2002). The physician’s conscience, conscience clauses, and religious belief: a Catholic perspective. The Fordham Urban Law Journal, 30, 221–244.