United States
Christian Medical and Dental Associations (USA)
Policies & statements relevant to freedom of conscience
Links and annotations
Health Care Right of Conscience
Respect for conscientiously held beliefs of individuals and for
individual differences is an essential part of our free society. The
right of choice is foundational in our healthcare process, and it
applies to both healthcare professionals and patients alike. Issues of
conscience arise when some aspect of medical care is in conflict with
the personal beliefs and values of the patient or the healthcare
professional. CMDA believes that in such circumstances the Rights of
Conscience have priority. . . .
Healthcare Education and Christian Faith
. . . If a trainee in the healthcare professions expresses an
unwillingness to participate in an aspect of training or patient care as
a matter of conscience, that stance should be explored in a
non-judgmental manner to ensure that both parties fully understand the
issue. The trainee's position on matters of conscience should be honored
without academic or personal penalty. . .