Citation
Thorp, John M., Jr. (2018). Conscientious Objection in Reproductive Health – Ancient Prerogative or Harmful Practice.
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 125(11), 1357-1358.
Abstract
As the ethics of Medicine arose from philosophical seeds of thought around 500 BC, the Oath of Hippocrates called upon individual physician conscience to place patient well-being first and ‘do no harm’.1 In the centuries since, this profound statement of ethics has been embraced and molded by Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity. It remains pertinent to the vastly different and effective medical practice of the modern world such that many medical schools around the world still incorporate it into the graduation ceremony of future physicians. It places individual clinician conscience at the foundation of ethical decision emphasising that our consciences as physicians are the primary line of defence against patient harm.2 This is most consequential given the power physicians hold over their patient's lives.
URL
https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.15226Reference Type
Journal Article
Year Published
2018
Journal Title
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Author(s)
Thorp, John M., Jr.
Article Type
Commentary
ORCiD
Thorp - 0000-0002-9307-6690