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When religious doctors refuse healthcare

Sep 2, 2025 •

As hard-fought gains in reproductive medicine, voluntary assisted dying and LGBTQI health care have been made – another story has emerged.

One where religious pharmacists, doctors and hospital systems believe it's justifiable to withhold medication or support… often with devastating consequences.

Now, 1 in 5 pharmacists in Australia will refuse you care if the medication you’re asking for doesn’t align with their beliefs… and in some parts of the country, that number is closer to half.

Today, writer and reproductive health advocate Hannah Bambra on the unconscionable reality of conscientious objection.

You can read Hannah Bambra's reporting in the latest edition of The Monthly: https://www.themonthly.com.au/

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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When religious doctors refuse healthcare

1654 • Sep 2, 2025

When religious doctors refuse healthcare

As hard-fought gains in reproductive medicine, voluntary assisted dying and LGBTQI health care have been made – another story has emerged.

One where religious pharmacists, doctors and hospital systems believe it's justifiable to withhold medication or support… often with devastating consequences.

Now, 1 in 5 pharmacists in Australia will refuse you care if the medication you’re asking for doesn’t align with their beliefs… and in some parts of the country, that number is closer to half.

Today, writer and reproductive health advocate Hannah Bambra on the unconscionable reality of conscientious objection.

You can read Hannah Bambra's reporting in the latest edition of The Monthly: https://www.themonthly.com.au/

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Guest: Writer and reproductive health advocate Hannah Bambra

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7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.

It’s made by Atticus Bastow, Chris Dengate, Daniel James, Ruby Jones, Sarah McVeigh, Travis Evans and Zoltan Fecso.

Our theme music is by Ned Beckley and Josh Hogan of Envelope Audio.





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1654: When religious doctors refuse healthcare