For the first time in 18 years, health authorities made a nationwide survey on how many doctors, nurses and midwives would perform or assist in an abortion. It shows that 186 employees have used the so-called right of reservation. Sørlandet Hospital tops the list, with 37 employees who have opted out. As a result, the hospital could only perform abortions once a week.
Abortion in Norway
Abortion Act of 1975 gives all women the right to abortion, while providing healthcare professionals the right to refuse to perform or assist in the procedure for reasons of conscience.
But the reservation clause applies only to doctors who perform surgery, and not primary care physicians. It is not possible to refuse to print contraceptives for women.
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