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

[Clownwithafrown]

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?

Well we don’t know that for definite - it needs to be a direct question to the surgery. I’ve seen issues where someone has been unaware of what a certain phrase means and I would hold off on judgement till they have clarified their position.

They offer contraceptive services but i couldn’t see any further information about MAP etc. OP should clarify with the partners at the surgery so they can elaborate on this policy as it’s very vague.

I’ve found the policy information- it states they offer contraceptives and that they refer to the appropriate service provider for terminations which is what all GPs do as they don’t perform them at gp surgeries so I really don’t think this is an anti abortion practice .

Conscientious objection is protected under the law the same way that if euthanasia ever became legal doctors would not be obligated to do it. There is a lot lost if people who have different views around things like when it is or is not ok to end life are prevented from entering medical practice.

FWIW, there are women who would prefer a practice that is pro life, I've known a number of Catholic women who felt really pressured by doctors or belittled and wanted doctors who shared or at least respected their religious beliefs and were able to make recommendations within those parameters.

This is the policy

If a doctors surgery doesn't know what the term pro-life means, and/or haven't has it proof read by appropriately senior people then I would be questioning their professionalism and fitness to practice there, too.

I'd be outraged if I saw this on my GP's website. It's one thing an individual having a preference, it is quite another for a whole surgery to take a stance like this.

Healthcare providers should be neutral. If they can't be neutral, perhaps they shouldn't be in the job.

Also ... last time I checked GPs don't offer abortion services, they would need to refer you on to a clinic. So surely it's irrelevant as well as inappropriate for them to have a position statement on this, as none of the professionals in the practice would be conducting a termination anyway, and they can't by law refuse to refer you.

I agree with you they should know what the term means - I think it’s an offensive mistake looking at the policy ? They need to amend it as they seem to offer all the services you’d expect ? So ‘pro life’ is just not correct

GPs have always been able to opt out, citing conscientious objection to abortion. I know they're supposed to signpost women to other services/ providers, but I've always worried that in a time-sensitive situation, they might well cause delays and make it harder to get seen somewhere else in time.
Any time I've become a patient at a new surgery, I've checked that my GP is pro-choice and willing to support my right to have an abortion. Luckily I've never needed one.

Most people know what pro life refers to in a medical capacity, and doctors especially would. It's not ambiguous.

If the babies heart wasn't beating - it's not an abortion, it's a missed miscarriage that you had (I don't know how to say this delicately, I'm sorry) cleaned out.
A harrowing experience, I hope you're in a good place emotionally now.

There's PLENTY of words you could have used rather than that! What is the matter with you.

As I understand, GPs are private practitioners in a sense, although they work with the NHS. I guess they can advertise what beliefs they like, even though I may not agree with them.

At least you know which one to avoid, if you feel strongly about this issue!

Very easy to see what surgery that is by googling the words.

Perhaps it is something to do with the religion of the doctors concerned?

This.

It is permissible in NHS practices, as it's not illegal to do so.

What do they google reviews for that go surgery say?

They don't refuse the pill. Their website says:

"We provide advice on the risks and benefits of all methods of contraception. We provide the oral contraceptive pill (both combined and mini-pill) and the contraceptive injection.
We will refer patients to the appropriate service provider for contraceptive implants, intrauterine devices, emergency contraception and requests for termination of pregnancy."

St Peter's Surgery Walsall

I think it's good they advertise themselves as such and are clear and upfront about their policies in that regard. At least this way women know what to expect before they attend, or can choose to go somewhere else for particular advice.

I expect you'd be required to only refer patients that need that service and not speak to them about their options. Where I live there are catholic hospitals that have some areas government funded, like maternity and birth. They won't do anything related to contraceptives, no tubes tied during csection, no information about contraceptives at discharge. Some of the OBs and paediatricians that work there don't hold the same beliefs. I didnt ask but one of the doctors said to me post birth, "We're not allowed to discuss contraceptives, but please consider you're contraceptive needs and see your GP if necessary." If you wanted your tubes tied they would refer you to the other bigger, wholly public hospital.

I would prefer it if surgeries were open about their policies. I think women seeking terminations need specialist support and counseling rather than being squeezed in between covid vaccinations

I sorry to hear of yoir loss, but It wasn't a termination of pregnancy your case though was it?

This comment is really important. I would think that a pro-life doctor could also be important for a woman to have if she’s decided to have a baby who has a condition that would lead lots of people to have an abortion - developmental disabilities, a serious heart condition, or what have you. I’ve heard several stories about women who were very clear with their doctors that they weren’t going to have an abortion, only to have the doctors keep bringing it up again and again.

So they don't offer the MAP then.

This would be for a gynae ref rather than GP.

It’s perfectly reasonable for GPs / any doctor to have strong views on abortion. In a particular area people may be more likely to be a particular religion and work together.

They must refer to alternative services. They are simply informing their staff / patients of the policy so that patients know the score.