Disputes Over Religion and Health Care Land in Calif. Courts

October 10, 2008

Author: Tom Kisken

Original Source: Scripps Howard News Service

https://religiousliberty.tv/disputes-over-religion-and-health-care-land-in-calif-courts-scrippsnewscom.html

Dr. Catherine Kim of Simi Valley, Calif. can't do it. Her practice as an obstetrician-gynecologist is based on medical science. But her convictions as a born-again Christian sculpt every aspect of her life, from the Bible stories she reads to her kids before bedtime to the prayers she offers people who visit her office.

Because of her beliefs, Kim won't perform abortions and won't provide emergency contraceptives that are used after intercourse. She won't give referrals either because that would be participating in acts she sees as immoral.

"Just like they have the right to choose, I have a right to choose," she said, suggesting that pushing doctors to mute the influence of faith on their practice is discrimination. "The doctor has the right to act and practice according to his or her convictions."

The limits of that ability are being tested in showdowns involving California's highest courts, the federal government and doctors exercising what is called the right to conscience. That means they won't perform a procedure or treat a patient because of moral or religious beliefs.