Voluntary assisted dying: should conscientious objection be unconditional?

Abstract

This paper argues that although legislation on voluntary assisted dying should always allow medical practitioners to practise conscientious objection, there should always be an obligation on the conscientious objector to refer anyone who inquires about voluntary assisted dying to other medical practitioners who have no conscientious objection. The paper refutes the concern that this requirement effectively undermines the conscientious objector's right to object, explaining exactly why this concern is misplaced.