§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many medical students undertaking training in obstetrics and gynaecology have refused to be involved in abortion procedures on grounds of conscience in each year since 1990; [37800]
(2) how many general practitioners have refused to be involved in referrals for abortion on grounds of conscience in each year since 1990; [37801]
(3) how many consultants in obstetrics and gynaecology have refused to take part in abortion procedures on grounds of conscience in each year since 1990. [37799]
§ Ms JowellThis information is not collected centrally. We have no reason to believe that the current arrangements for conscientious objections are not in general working well. We have received very few complaints about the operation of the conscience clause, which indicates that the issue is being dealt with sensitively and sensibly.
§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what actions general practitioners with a conscientious objection must take to fulfil their duty of care when a patient requests referral for abortion. [37802]
§ Ms JowellIn 1991 the General Medical Services Council of the British Medical Association issued guidance to general practitioners through local medical committees, reminding them of their obligations under their terms of service. This guidance remains extant and general practitioners who have a conscientious objection to abortion should refer the patient to another doctor as soon as possible.