The conscience objection  

A conscientious objection is a refusal to perform either a legal or professional role because of personal beliefs. It’s essential to recognise that this conscientious objection also applies to patients themselves. For example, a Jehovah’s Witness will refuse blood transfusions due to their beliefs.  

Within healthcare, this conscience clause grants professionals the right to act in accordance with their personal beliefs and to opt out of a specific service; a right protected by law. The Equality Act 2010, for instance, prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief, and Article 9 of the Human Rights Act 1998 safeguards freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.  

Conscience clauses gained prominence in the 1960s following the introduction of hormonal contraceptives, when some pharmacists were reluctant to supply them. The Abortion Act 1967 first established a legal basis for such clauses, stating that no individual is obliged to participate in treatment under the Act if they hold a conscientious objection.  

However, this exemption does not apply in emergencies where treatment is necessary to save life or prevent serious harm.  

The Abortion Act does not provide a legal basis for pharmacists to refuse to supply oral EC, as this Act only applies to the termination of an established pregnancy. It is widely accepted within the healthcare professions that oral EC works to prevent ovulation, fertilisation, or implantation and does not affect an implanted embryo. Consequently, oral EC is not classified as an abortifacient and does not constitute abortion under the Act.  

However, pharmacists may still decline to supply it because of their beliefs.