Anti-abortion doctors have to inform patients

Guidance published today says GPs must tell patients if they are pro-life and refer them to another medic.

Doctors who wear veils for religious reasons will be told it is good practice to remove them in certain circumstances.

These could include the treatment of deaf patients who need to lipread, or if the patient is uncomfortable not being able to see a doctor's face.

The guidelines, entitled Personal Beliefs and Medical Practice, were drawn up by the General Medical Council.

They also cover the provision of fertility treatment for gay couples and circumcision of male children when there is no medical reason for the procedure.

The GMC acknowledges doctors have personal beliefs that may affect their day-to-day practice, but it warns these must not compromise healthcare or lead to discrimination against patients.

The guidelines are expected to fuel tensions between anti- and proabortion campaigners.

A recent survey found that 20 per cent of GPs refused to send a woman for an abortion because they believed the procedure was morally wrong. In one case, a female doctor was reported to the GMC for advis-

ing patients to think twice about having a termination.

Dr Tammie Downes, a Christian GP from West Cornwall, refused to sign abortion forms and witnessed the births of eight babies whose mothers had come to her seeking a termination.

Jane O'Brien, the GMC's head of standards and medical ethics, said that in cases where a GP was antiabortion, "there are relatively few doctors who wouldn't refer patients on to another person".

"But they need to make sure they are letting the patient make their own choice and they are not coercing them," she added.

The guidance will be posted on the internet.

Katherine Murphy of the Patients Association said: "Most GPs are good doctors who treat patients with respect, regardless of lifestyle or beliefs. This guidance will reassure

patients that doctors are expected to put care first, over and above their own personal views." Sheikh Muhammad Yusuf, fellow of the Interfaith Alliance, whose members include doctors and patients, said: "Doctors are in a position of power in relation to their patients. This guidance makes it clear that any attempt to impose their religious or political views would be an abuse of that power."

London GP Dr Christian Jessen said he had witnessed prejudice among doctors towards patients and so the guidance was necessary.

Dr Jessen, who runs a sexual health clinic in Harley Street, added: "As someone who works with HIV patients, my reaction is it's vital we put our personal prejudices aside."