Swedish Midwife Who Objects To Abortions Sues Healthcare Officials For Refusing Her A Job
A midwife in Sweden was in court this week to fight for her right to conscientious objection after three medical clinics refused to employ her because she would not assist in abortions.
Ellinor Grimmark is being supported by the US-based Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which argues that employers should be prepared to make some accommodation for the moral convictions of staff.
Her case was before a labor tribunal this week after a district court determined in November 2015 that her right to freedom of conscience had not been violated by the actions of the clinics, based in the Joenkoeping area. She was ordered by the district court to pay the authorities' legal costs.
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The Swedish Association of Midwives is siding with the clinics, its president Mia Ahlberg telling the BBC that "always the need of the patient comes first," and suggesting Ms Grimmark has the freedom to pursue an alternative career if she is not happy with the abortion aspect of midwifery in Sweden, which includes training on abortion procedures and after-care.
"It's about women's rights, human rights and access to good, safe healthcare," she said.
"It's part of our professional competence - so the employer had a right to say 'you cannot work here'."
Director of European Advocacy for ADF, Robert Clarke, disagreed however, saying that "nobody should be forced to choose between following their conscience and pursuing their profession."
"Being required to participate in abortions should not be a requirement for employment as a midwife," added Clarke.
"The desire to protect life is what leads many midwives and nurses to enter the medical profession in the first place. Employers should respect that desire and look to safeguard the moral convictions of their staff."
