British Medical Association opposes allowing doctor’s to “opt out” of treatment

The British Medical Association heavily criticised draftGMC guidance that would allow doctors to opt out of any procedure forethical reasons.  The plans would give doctors “a licence to discriminate”and should be strictly limited to certain procedures such as abortion,the BMA warned.  But such precise restrictions would not work in practice, the GMC said.  It is currently widely accepted that doctors can”conscientiously object” to certain procedures associated with life anddeath issues, such as withdrawing life-prolonging treatment, the BMAsaid.

Source/more:  BBC, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7018025.stm