Question

Case Study No. 2:

Recently there have been a number of cases involving health care practitioners refusing to provide services based on their religious beliefs. To answer the following questions, two freedoms must be examined. For the patient, the argument will often be presented as a matter of self-determination, the right to personal anatomy, or the relief from suffering. For the practitioner, the argument will focus on the right to act on his or her personal conscience. Can society force an individual or religious institution to violate their personal consciences?

1. Can a physician be sued for violating state antidiscrimination laws because of his or her refusal to artificially inseminate a patient involved in a lesbian relationship?

2. Can a nurse working a pediatric ward refuse to be vaccinated for common childhood diseases?

3. Can a pharmacist refuse to provide “day after pills”? Why would these be different from other contraceptives?

4. Does a Catholic hospital have a legal duty to permit obstetricians to perform sterilizations immediately after giving birth? Would it matter if the hospital accepted any federal monies?

5. How would you handle a work situation where you were asked to perform a service that went against your personal conscience?