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How do catholic doctors deal with abortions?

I previously asked a question regarding going into the medical field as a career. If I were to go into the medical field how would I handle a situation where a patient wants to have an abortion? I go to a Catholic high school and it is against my religious beliefs. Within my own understanding of the topic, I personally don't agree with it. So how would I being in a career I love, partake in something I don't love? #career #religion #healthcare

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Roopa’s Answer

While the question is very specific, I will take it to a larger picture - "what do we do when there is a conflict between our personal between beliefs/ethics and what we are expected to do in our job".

the simple answer would be what lawyers say " the law of the land has highest priority irrespective of their opinions"

While every profession has its share of conflicts, in such a sensitive topic like abortions a straight forward explanation many not suffice.

Ideally when a patient visits a doctor, its with an implicit faith and trust that they are placing their lives in the right hands. In such a scenario if the pregnant woman's life is in danger, as per hospital policy it will be necessary to save her life by taking a second opinion from other doc, and all the required reports as supporting evidence. This may be in line with religion where we first try to save a life. If this situation warrants an obortion, then that would be best way.

Personal guilt is always associated with such actions - in such case its best not to get emotionally involved rather just do what is needed. And one can try to come to terms with guilt by using all the tools for forgiveness as prescribed in the religion.

when its not a case of health issue and obortion for the sake of it. Well, one can always refuse if uncomfortable and the patient can see another doctor.

Hope it helps.

There is no one right answer if you are doctor and dealing with this situation.

Philosophical questions can be best answered by oneself with introspection.
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Scott’s Answer

Follow your heart. Don't take part in anything that goes against your morals. As a doctor, you can gain a lot of loyalty from your patients for being upright in character and uncompromising in your faith/beliefs. You will be appreciated for your position and you will be not carry any guilt - as it should be.
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Madison’s Answer

This is a great self reflection and acknowledging your own beliefs and feelings is very important when approaching patient care especially around sensitive topics. I would advise a few things. I would ask you to consider that as a doctor you do have a duty to not allow your personal beliefs to impact patients rights to safe healthcare access. My hope would be that physicians who find themselves in this circumstance would still be expected to treat those patients kindly, with empathy, with respect and to still be required to make sure they know there are options even if you are not going to be the personal one to provide that specific option for care. You can help point patients to someone else who can help them.
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