How Are Healthcare Providers Conscientiously Objecting to Abortion in Australia? A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Researchers have done limited empirical work to explore how healthcare providers are claiming conscientious objection to abortion care in Australia. Without this research, we cannot assess if existing mechanisms to regulate conscientious objection meet the needs of abortion seekers, abortion providers, and healthcare providers who conscientiously object to abortion care. Methodology: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 41 interest-holders (including healthcare providers who provided or conscientiously objected to abortion care) across Australia about conscientious objection to abortion care and its regulation. We analyzed the data using framework analysis. Results: We ..