I asked a doctor about a treatment I need and was told that they would not provide it because it is against their beliefs. They did not refer me anywhere else. Is that acceptable in New Zealand? I have never dealt with anything like this before and would like to understand my options clearly.
Practitioners may sometimes decline to provide a service because of a conscientious objection, but they must still meet their professional and legal obligations. The Medical Council's guidance says that doctors must not impose their personal beliefs on patients, must tell the patient of the objection promptly, and must ensure that the patient can access the care by providing information about how to obtain it or referring them to another provider. For specific services such as abortion, the law requires practitioners to tell you about your right to access the service elsewhere. A failure to do this might breach the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights, including your rights to be treated with respect and not to be discriminated against. Make a complaint to the clinic or the Health and Disability Commissioner.
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