By Rachel Clayton, ABC.net – Australia
May 21, 2024
Health staff across Victoria say women are being blocked from accessing abortion services by conscientious objectors, who are then failing to refer them to alternative providers.
Under Victoria’s Abortion Law Reform Act, a registered health practitioner — such as a doctor or pharmacist — is allowed to voice a conscientious objection to terminating a pregnancy. They are then legally required to refer women to someone who does not hold an objection.