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GMC Faith guidance released

New GMC guidance published online today says that doctors must not allow their personal beliefs to compromise patient care. The guidance explores how doctors should deal with a range of dilemmas including abortion, the wearing of face-veils and male circumcision. It also looks at patients' own beliefs and how they can affect the doctor/patient relationship.

Personal Beliefs and Medical Practice has been developed in response to an increasing number of enquiries about doctors' and patients' personal, religious and moral beliefs. It expands on principles set out in the GMC's core guidance, Good Medical Practice 2006 which says that doctors must not discriminate against patients by allowing their personal views to adversely affect their professional relationship.

The guidance recognises that all doctors have personal beliefs which may affect their day-to-day practice. It clarifies the distinction between conscientious objection to a procedure and discrimination against a patient or group of patients.

The guidance tackles questions such as:

• Is it ever appropriate for doctors to discuss matters of religious faith with their patients?
• A patient asks for abortion advice from a doctor who believes it is morally wrong. Is that doctor expected to refer the patient to a colleague?
• Does the GMC think female Muslim doctors should be able to wear a face veil at work?
• A doctor has been asked to circumcise a male child. There is no medical reason for the procedure. Should they refuse?

Dr John Jenkins, Chair, GMC Standards and Ethics Committee said:

“The GMC recognises that personal beliefs, values, and cultural and religious practises are central to the lives of doctors and patients. The guidance balances a doctors' right to practise in accordance with their views and beliefs, and patients' right to receive timely and appropriate medical care. We are clear that doctors must not mislead patients about the options available to them or leave them with nowhere to turn. We hope this guidance will help doctors understand how to apply the GMC's principles in their day-to-day practice”.

The guidance can be viewed online at: www.gmc-uk.org/guidance/ethical_guidance/personal_beliefs/personal_beliefs.asp

See overview at www.gmc-uk.org/news/index.asp#personal_beliefs

For further information:

Steven Fouch (CMF Head of Communications) 020 7234 9668

Media Enquiries:

Alistair Thompson on 07970 162 225

About CMF:

Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF) was founded in 1949 and is an interdenominational organisation with over 5,000 doctors, 900medical and nursing students and 300 nurses and midwives as members in all branches of medicine, nursing and midwifery. A registered charity, it is linked to over 100 similar bodies in other countries throughout the world.

CMF exists to unite Christian healthcare professionals to pursue the highest ethical standards in Christian and professional life and to increase faith in Christ and acceptance of his ethical teaching.