Doctors urge conscientious objections to be considered

Plan: Health Minister Simon Harris DOCTORS have urged the Irish government to ensure “adequate resources” are in place and those with “conscientious objections” are considered in new legislation following the abortion referendum.

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) released a statement outlining their desire for doctors with “conscientious objections” to also be kept in mind as the new laws are planned.

The referendum debate divided the healthcare profession in Ireland, as many doctors were vociferous advocates for repealing the Eighth Amendment.

But some GPs said asking doctors to carry out abortions without reason being offered could not be described as healthcare, with over 120 signing an open letter expressing “serious concerns” about Health Minister Simon Harris’s plan.

In a statement released yesterday by the IMO, doctors urged the government to engage with them throughout the process.

The statement read: “The focus must now shift to legislators and the legislative process within which a detailed legal framework to facilitate the outcome of the referendum must be created.

“The organisation expects that given the deeply held views which exist on this issue, any legislative proposals will create a regime which facilitates access to abortion services by women while also catering for medical professionals who have deeply held conscientious objections on this matter.”