ABSTRACT
In the context of abortion, religious objections to performing abortions have been described as a legal right. As part of the right to religious accommodation, the Religious Charter envisages that every person should have the right on the ground of their convictions to refuse to deliver, or to refer for, certain services, including medical or related services or procedures. Invoking religious or conscientious objection grounds, healthcare providers often refuse to provide abortion services. Receiving or withholding medical treatment is a sensitive issue and is often related to people’s religious convictions. Under the Religious Charter, every person should have the right on the grounds of their convictions to refuse to perform certain duties, or to participate or indirectly to assist in, certain activities, such as of a military or educational nature. In a plural and multi-religious society, everyone should exercise their religious beliefs and convictions in a reasonable manner, with due regard to the rights of others.
