7am When religious doctors refuse healthcare
Sep 1, 2025
Hannah Bambra, a writer and reproductive health advocate, sheds light on the alarming trend of healthcare professionals denying vital services based on their religious beliefs. She discusses the significant impact of conscientious objection in Australia, highlighting that one in five pharmacists may refuse medication. The conversation dives deep into the barriers faced by patients, especially in regional areas where healthcare options are limited. Bambra emphasizes the need for transparency and the potential consequences of such refusals on individuals’ health and rights.
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Young Woman Denied Morning-After Pill
- Ava, a 22-year-old medical student, was refused emergency contraception at a Ballarat pharmacy and told the pharmacist had no time for it.
- The pharmacist did not refer her elsewhere, and she spent most of the day scrambling to find the medication.
Conscientious Objection Is Broad And Fragmented
- Conscientious objection is widely accepted across Australia but rules vary by state and can be applied by many health workers.
- Pharmacists, doctors, nurses and even hospitals can refuse a wide range of legal, eligible treatments based on personal beliefs.
Refusals Affect Many Types Of Care
- Objections extend beyond abortion to PrEP, IVF meds, contraception and other services, affecting diverse communities.
- People legally entitled to care can be blocked from accessing essential and preventive medicines.