Conscientious refusals to refer

Conscientious refusals to refer: findings from a national physician survey -- Combs et al. 37 (7): 397 -- Journal of Medical Ethics: "Regarding controversial medical services, many have argued that if physicians cannot in good conscience provide a legal medical intervention for which a patient is a candidate, they should refer the requesting patient to an accommodating provider. In a survey of 1895 physicians, 1032 (55%) responded. 57% of physicians agreed that doctors must refer patients regardless of whether or not the doctor believes the referral itself is immoral. Holding this opinion was independently associated with being more theologically pluralistic, describing oneself as sociopolitically liberal, and indicating that respect for patient autonomy is the most important bioethical principle in one's practice. [Emphasis added.]