No need for continued stigma towards the special conscience clause in IVF, asserted by the National College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians
French College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians Abolishes Specific Clause on Conscience in Abortion Law
The French College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF) has made a historic decision to abolish the specific clause of conscience regarding voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVG), a move that has been welcomed by feminist associations.
The decision, made unanimously by the CNGOF on July 18th, 2022, was announced by Joeëlle Belaisch-Allart, the president of the CNGOF, in an interview with France Inter on July 25th, 2022.
The specific clause of conscience was deemed necessary in 1975 to pass the right to IVG. However, the CNGOF insists that they are not against the clause of conscience in medicine. Rather, they believe that the clause is no longer relevant, as IVG has evolved, is in the Constitution, and society has evolved too.
The "double clause of conscience" typically refers to provisions allowing healthcare professionals to refuse to perform or participate in abortions based on conscientious objection. Although the specific recent decision by CNGOF regarding this clause is not yet detailed, French medical ethics and law have historically allowed such conscience clauses under regulated conditions.
The abolition of the specific clause does not stigmatize the act of voluntary termination of pregnancy, according to Joeëlle Belaisch-Allart. Sarah Durocher, president of the French Family Planning Association, believes this will reduce the guilt felt by women seeking an abortion.
The CNGOF's statement reminds us that the specific clause of conscience was added to a general clause already existing in the law. The public health code already allows doctors to refuse care for personal and ethical reasons. The question remains whether the political class will evolve the Veil law in response to the CNGOF's decision.
The CNGOF's stance on the second clause of conscience is seen as historic by feminist associations. The decision marks a significant change in the French approach to voluntary termination of pregnancy, potentially leading to abortion becoming just another medical procedure.
For precise and up-to-date details on the CNGOF decision's impacts on the double clause of conscience, consultation of specialized legal or medical publications in France or official CNGOF communications would be necessary. The current status of the double clause of conscience in French abortion laws following the decision by the CNGOF is not explicitly detailed in the available search results. However, the strong constitutional protection of abortion rights in France as of 2024 underlines that access to abortion remains a priority alongside any conscience protections.
- The CNGOF's decision to abolish the specific clause of conscience in abortion law could potentially lead to a more integrative approach in the French health-and-wellness sector, as abortion may become viewed as just another medical procedure like any other.
- As a result of the French College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians abolishing the specific clause of conscience, women seeking health-and-wellness services related to women's health may experience less stigma and guilt, thanks to the relaxing of restrictions around the voluntary termination of pregnancy.
