The association's position statement on conscientious objection for any treatment says the impact of a delay in treatment, and whether it might constitute a significant

impediment, should be considered by a doctor if they conscientiously object: "For example, termination of pregnancy services are time critical."

Moy said doctors need to consider not only their own needs but those of the wider community.



"We as doctors have a right to conscientious objection if we have deeply held beliefs but we cannot walk away from patients and we owe a responsibility to patients in urgent situations," he said.

Equality Australia chief executive and lawyer Anna Brown said the government's religious discrimination bill gives additional rights to health professionals who wish to refuse treatment to patients based on personal religious beliefs.



She said it makes it difficult for any health organisation — hospitals, pharmacies, clinics — to enforce standards requiring medical staff to provide "judgement-free treatment, or even treatment at all, regardless of any personal religious views".

“Because you will not be able to ask current or prospective employees about their religious objections, employers will not — and cannot — know whether someone is willing to do the job until it’s too late," she said.

"[If the bill passes] a health centre cannot ask its GP whether he objects to prescribing the pill before a patient seeking access books in for an appointment. This will make it very difficult for hospitals, clinics and practices to take steps to ensure continuity of care for their patients."