Freedom of Religion and Reproductive Rights: A Study of Conscientious Objections to Emergency Contraception by Physicians and Pharmacists.

摘要

This thesis argues that physicians and pharmacists have the right to refuse to prescribe and dispense emergency contraception, such as Plan B and abortifacient drugs, because of the right to freedom of religion. However, in order to properly protect women's access emergency contraception as part of their right to reproductive health care, physicians and pharmacists who choose to object to emergency contraception on grounds of conscience must disclose this information to their patients, and refer their patients to a non-objecting practitioner. This thesis applies to the situation in Canada, and Ontario where the laws between provinces differ, but uses experiences and legislation from the United States of America as a comparator. Finally, this thesis concludes by proposing various methods to ensure delivery and access to emergency contraception, while protecting physicians' and pharmacists' right of refusal.