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Or should GP surgery's not be allowed to advertise themselves as 'pro-life'?

184 replies

Clownwithafrown · 08/09/2024 22:15

I'm job hunting and came across an ad for a medical receptionist at a GP surgery. I wasn't sure where exactly this particular surgery was so googled it and this statement was on the home page; 'The Doctors here at xxxx Surgery are committed to a 'pro-life' policy. This means that the Doctors value each individual’s 'life' from conception to natural death.'

I'm not reading that wrong am I, they are stating that they're anti abortion aren't they? Surely that shouldn't be allowed at an NHS practice should it? I'm a bit gobsmacked that it's blatantly there on the home page, literally the first thing you see when you click on the site. And it clearly means all the doctors, I mean obviously people don't have to register with that surgery but for there to be no options for those who already are registered just doesn't seem right to me. Does anyone know if this is actually allowed?

OP posts:
Viviennemary · 08/09/2024 22:30

meganna · 08/09/2024 22:18

As far as I'm aware any doctor can choose to be pro life, ie anti abortion, but they must refer you on to another doctor who doesn't have those beliefs so you can still access the service if needed.

It isn't against the law to be pro-life. Medical ethics were against abortion in the past.

AlloftheTime · 08/09/2024 22:29

Women are harmed or die when safe and legal abortion is not available. There is nothing
‘pro life’ about being anti abortion.
the gp practice can be as clear as they like but they should be factually correct before anything else.

SaffronsMadAboutMe · 08/09/2024 22:28

For them to have that on their website, I wonder if it means they only accept doctors at that surgery who are pro life?

Are they allowed to discriminate and not take on doctors who aren't?

mumda · 08/09/2024 22:27

Ste there time limits in which they have to do that signposting?

Cynical me.

Mickey79 · 08/09/2024 22:25

Yes, they are allowed to conscientiously object, in accordance with GMC regulations. Would need to signpost patients to a dr or service who is able to help them though.

FloralGums · 08/09/2024 22:25

They can refer women to the appropriate services for terminations but the doctors are allowed their own views.

Elseaknows · 08/09/2024 22:23

Nothing illegal with conscientious objection, they just need to direct/refer you to another service that offers termination services.

Itabsolutelyispossible · 08/09/2024 22:21

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1967/87/section/4

Conscientious objection is protected by law.

But I think @meganna is right in saying that they must ensure you are referred to someone who will provide the service.

Abortion Act 1967

An Act to amend and clarify the law relating to termination of pregnancy by registered medical practitioners.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1967/87/section/4

meganna · 08/09/2024 22:18

As far as I'm aware any doctor can choose to be pro life, ie anti abortion, but they must refer you on to another doctor who doesn't have those beliefs so you can still access the service if needed.