When religious doctors refuse healthcare

2026-01-05

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As hard-fought gains in reproductive medicine, voluntary assisted dying and LGBTQI health care have been made – another story has emerged. One where religious pharmacists, doctors and hospital systems believe it's justifiable to withhold medication or support, often with devastating consequences. Now, one in five pharmacists in Australia will refuse you care if the medication you’re asking for doesn’t align with their beliefs – and in some parts of the country, that number is closer to half. Today, writer and reproductive health advocate Hannah ...

As hard-fought gains in reproductive medicine, voluntary assisted dying and LGBTQI health care have been made – another story has emerged.

One where religious pharmacists, doctors and hospital systems believe it's justifiable to withhold medication or support, often with devastating consequences.

Now, one in five pharmacists in Australia will refuse you care if the medication you’re asking for doesn’t align with their beliefs – and in some parts of the country, that number is closer to half.

Today, writer and reproductive health advocate Hannah Bambra on the unconscionable reality of conscientious objection.

This episode was originally published in September 2025.

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Guest: Writer and reproductive health advocate Hannah Bambra

Photo: AAP Image/ABE MADDISON

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