On Monday, May 12, Global Doctors for Choice (GDC) participated in a panel event titled Respecting Conscience, Protecting Care: The impact of religious-refusal laws on doctors, patients and healthcare systems around the world –lessons for the United States. The event was held at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University and over 40 guests were in attendance.

Dr. Wendy Chavkin of GDC, and lead author of Conscientious objection and refusal to provide reproductive healthcare: A White Paper examining prevalence, health consequences, and policy responses, presented on related medical and public health prevalence data and policy interventions. She was joined by fellow panelists Luisa Cabal, Vice President of Programs at the Center for Reproductive Rights , and Marcia Greenberger, Co-President of the National Women’s Law Center. Luisa presented on the current landscape relating to international human rights law, including key decision from regional and human rights bodies, and Marcia presented on the United States’ current religious refusal laws and policies relating to reproductive healthcare. Dr. Susan F. Wood of the Milken School of Public Health at George Washington University moderated the panel.

We thank everyone who participated in the event and contributed to the lively and valuable discussion.

You can view the White Paper here in English and in Spanish.