A Bill to clarify the extent to which a medical practitioner with a conscientious objection may refrain from participating in certain medical activities; and for connected purposes
House of Lords
12 September 2019
This bill would spell out how far a doctor or other clinician can refuse to take part in certain medical activities because of a conscientious objection. It would set out the duties that objecting clinicians still have, such as referring patients to someone who can provide the service or arranging alternative care, and clarify what counts as a connected purpose. The aim is to balance clinicians’ freedoms with patients’ right to access care, and to provide clear rules for NHS and other healthcare settings.
Currently at Committee stage in the Lords, where peers examine the clause-by-clause details and consider amendments. If approved, the bill would move to the Report Stage and Third Reading in the Lords before potentially moving to the Commons.
Generated 21 February 2026
Line by line examination of the Bill took place during the first day of committee stage on 23 March. The amendment discussed covered clause 1 to of the Bill.
The 2017-2019 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
