Doctors Refusing to Perform Abortions: Philosophy in Action Podcast

On Sunday's Philosophy in Action Radio, I answered a question on doctors refusing to perform abortions. The question was:

Does a doctor violate a woman's rights by refusing to perform an abortion? Many people on the left claim that a doctor who refuses to perform an abortion – or a pharmacist who refuses to dispense Plan B – is thereby violating the rights of the woman. Those doctors and pharmacists, however, claim that they're exercising their own freedom of religion. Who is right?

My Answer, In Brief: A doctor does not violate a woman’s right to abortion by refusing to perform an abortion, and a doctor’s freedom of religion does not entitle him to renege on the terms of his employment.

Download or Listen to My Full Answer:

• Duration: 6:44
• Download: MP3 Segment

Tags: Abortion, Ethics, Medicine, Politics, Religion, Rights

Links:

• Man's Rights and The Nature of Government by Ayn Rand

To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.

A podcast of the full episode – where I answered questions on Objectivism versus libertarianism, bad ideas as a cause of mental illness, doctors refusing to perform abortions, and more – is available here: Episode of 9 June 2013.

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About Philosophy in Action Radio

Philosophy in Action Radio applies rational principles to the challenges of real life in live internet radio shows on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. For information on upcoming shows, visit the Episodes on Tap. For podcasts of past shows, visit the Show Archives.