A Melbourne doctor has defended his decision to refuse to refer a couple for an abortion because they did not want a girl.
Dr Mark Hobart acknowledged that under Victorian law if a doctor has a
moral objection to a woman's choice to abort a pregnancy, that doctor
must refer the woman to a doctor who does not object.
He also admitted that he may face suspension or possibly be deregistered
for refusing to give the couple a referral when he discovered their
reasons for abortion.
"But just because it's the law, doesn't mean it's right," Dr Hobart was quoted by the Herald Sun as saying.
The unnamed coupled reportedly asked Dr Hobart to refer them to an
abortion clinic after discovering at 19 weeks they were having a girl
when they wanted a boy.
A Medical Practitioners Board spokeswoman said doctors were bound by
Victoria's Abortion Law Reform Act 2008 as well as a professional code
of conduct.
"The board expects practitioners to practise lawfully and to provide
safe care and to meet the standards set out in the board's code of
conduct," she said.
In January the Medical Board cautioned a doctor for airing his views
against abortion and warned he could be deregistered if it happened
again.
Source: Herald Sun
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/04/29/05/23/doctor-refused-to-help-couple-seeking-abortion
Author: Erin Tennant, Approving Editor: Emma Chamberlain.
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