Legal Definitions - conscience clause

A conscience clause is a legal provision that allows an individual to claim an exemption from following a law or regulation, usually on religious or moral grounds.

• A pharmacist who objects to dispensing birth control pills due to their personal beliefs can use a conscience clause to refuse to provide them to a patient.
• A doctor who opposes abortion can use a conscience clause to refuse to perform the procedure.

These examples illustrate how a conscience clause can be used to protect an individual's religious or moral beliefs, even if they conflict with established laws or regulations. However, it is important to note that conscience clauses can also be controversial, as they may limit access to certain services or treatments for individuals who do not share the same beliefs.