HC Deb 15 November 1951 vol 493 cc1140-1
24. Mr. R. W. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Health whether in view of existing disquiet and confusion among public health authorities and pregnant women, he will take steps to enable pregnant mothers to change their doctors for religious reasons.

Mr. Crookshank

There is nothing in the existing arrangements to prevent an expectant mother from changing her general practitioner on religious grounds.

Mr. Sorensen

That may be so, but is the Minister aware that notice has to be given and that this matter may be of urgency? In the interests of both Catholic and Protestant mothers will he not reconsider this matter with a view to giving some guidance to local authorities and to mothers, both Catholic and Protestant, who at present are in a state of considerable disquiet?

Mr. Crookshank

I answered the Question on the Paper, which dealt with public health authorities and pregnant women. On that my answer stands. I would prefer to have any further issues set out on the Order Paper.

Mrs. Mann

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of strongly urging would-be mothers to take advantage of the ante-natal clinics, when this great controversy will very greatly resolve itself?

Colonel Ralph Clarke

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind another aspect of the matter, namely, that in such cases there may also be severe conflict of loyalties between duty to their religion and duty to their patient among doctors and nurses themselves?

Mr. Sorensen

In view of the inadequate nature of the reply, and in view of the necessity for greater clarity, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter at the first opportunity.