Of note, I will say that the “sound bite” (related to the must not play God piece in the Hypocratic oath) in the original post is a pretty typical debate tactic. Also, wanting an abortion does not constitute sickness, as you mention how un-christian it is not to help the sick.

The beauty of living in a Capitalist Republic is that you can easily decide to pay another doctor if one chooses not to perform an abortion. The doctor accepting the money will prosper, and the one turning it away may well have to choose another profession. But attempting to pass legislation (either way) is just plain silly.

As a contract programmer, I enjoy the ability to choose which language/platform I like to work with, and what kind of software I choose to write. However, if I begin to turn away contracts on moral grounds, I may very well find myself unemployed. The point is, I get to choose, not my clients.

I should’ve mentioned this in the post, because I knew it was a common counterpoint, but if you don’t want to perform abortions, become an ear, nose, and throat specialist instead. Or choose to specialize in the exciting field of dermatology or podiatry or urology, or any of the other 50 or so choices doctors can specialize in.

If a doctor has a problem with performaing abortions, shouldn’t they just stay out of the field of reproductive health to begin with? That way, there’s no need for a law in the first place.

And you should put a more complete quote from the Hippocratic Oath:
“…If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.”

“Doesn’t make much sense, does it?”
Actually, it does because if I were a doctor, I would heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, yada yada, but would object to taking the life of a child.

“not lectures on morality and idealogy.”
‘You’ wouldn’t necessarily get a lecture, but a doctor who objects to the ‘your’ morality and idealogy wouldn’t have to have it forced upon her.

Go, preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick (of those Falwell says are going to Heaven), cleanse the lepers (if they go to a Protestant church every Sunday), raise the dead (actually, I’m just kidding about this one), cast out devils (really, I’m just being facetious): freely ye have received, freely give (to those with medical insurance).