Abortion law update will clarify legal position for health professionals
THE right of health professionals to exclude themselves from abortions performed locally has been clarified by the Committee for Health & Social Care.
While health professionals can ‘conscientiously object’ to taking part in abortion care they do have responsibilities to ensure that high levels of care for all service users are maintained, including administrative and other duties removed from the abortion procedure.
The island’s updated abortion law will clarify this point, Health & Social Care president Deputy Al Brouard said in response to questions from Deputy Liam McKenna following last month’s States debate on abortion, where States members agreed an update to the island’s abortion law. Deputy McKenna opposed the move.
Deputy Brouard also clarified that abortion care on one ward is only provided by a small number of staff as many hospital staff do object to provide care.
‘The committee respects the right of those individuals who wish to conscientiously object to taking part in abortion care,’ he added.
‘However, this situation accentuates the stigma that surrounds abortion, places unnecessary strain on other members of staff on duty, and is problematic in the planning and organisation of admissions.’
The island’s new law will now reflect the Nursing and Midwifery Council code and aligns with legislation elsewhere in the British Isles and Ireland.
