Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS of rebooking appointments as a result of a refusal to prescribe the contraceptive pill due to a conscientious objection.

This information is not collected centrally.

The General Medical Council advises, in their publication ‘Good Medical Practice’ that doctors must explain to patients if they have a conscientious objection to a particular procedure. Doctors must tell patients about their right to see another doctor and make sure they have enough information to exercise that right to arrange to see another doctor who does not hold the same objection.

The guidance also advises that, if it is not practical for a patient to arrange to see another doctor, arrangements should be made – without delay – for another suitably qualified colleague to advise, treat or refer the patient. Doctors must bear in mind the patient’s vulnerability and act promptly to make sure they are not denied appropriate treatment or services.