Protection of Conscience in Australia—The Scope of Conscientious Objection Clauses for Doctors Who Object to Participating in Voluntary Assisted Dying on Religious Grounds

The recent, rapid legalisation of voluntary assisted dying throughout Australia has generated diverse discussion in academia, the medical and legal professions, as well as broader society. One divisive issue is whether medical practitioners can—or should—be allowed to raise conscientious objection to participating in voluntary assisted dying, and correspondingly, the scope of such objection. The right to raise conscientious objection is fundamental, especially if the objection is based on religious grounds. This right has been recognised in individual state legislation throughout Australia, yet the legislative response varies from state-to-state. This Chapter considers the permissibility of voluntary assisted dying from a Catholic perspective and explores how conscientious objection for medical practitioners who oppose voluntary assisted dying is legislatively protected. It is observed that some state legislation provides limited protection of conscience, which may result in medical practitioners acting contrary to the tenets of their Catholic faith.