Conscientious Objection (Medical Activities) Bill [HL]

Key Points

• Clarifies the scope of conscientious objection for medical practitioners, specifying which activities may be refused.
• Sets out any remaining duties for objecting clinicians to support patient access (for example, information or referrals) and how transfers of care should be handled.
• Addresses how objections relate to professional standards and patient safety, and how healthcare employers should manage objections.
• Provides for connected provisions and potential future guidance or regulations to implement the bill.

Progress

The bill is currently at the 2nd Reading in the Lords. If approved, it would move to the Committee stage for detailed examination before progressing to the next House.