Rapid responses are electronic comments to the editor. They enable our users
to debate issues raised in articles published on bmj.com. A rapid response
is first posted online. If you need the URL (web address) of an individual
response, simply click on the response headline and copy the URL from the
browser window. A proportion of responses will, after editing, be published
online and in the print journal as letters, which are indexed in PubMed.
Rapid responses are not indexed in PubMed and they are not journal articles.
The BMJ reserves the right to remove responses which are being
wilfully misrepresented as published articles or when it is brought to our
attention that a response spreads misinformation.
From March 2022, the word limit for rapid responses will be 600 words not
including references and author details. We will no longer post responses
that exceed this limit.
The word limit for letters selected from posted responses remains 300 words.
The recent move by Mr Obama to recind the "conscience clause " for
health professionals, is another step along the road to state control of
conscience. The closest example of this type of shackling of legitimate
freedom of action, thought and expression, was exercised by a state at war
with USA for decades and still a threat. Obamas legalising of stem cell
research, injecting millions into abortion clinics, and now attempting to
outlaw conscious objection, contravenes the very foundation of American
freedom, tolerance and principles of democracy. It begs the question what
country are we talking about. A states refusal to accommodate diversity of
views that are based on genuine religious beliefs and ethical bases, is an
offense against a persons most basic rights ( after the right to life ),
the right to belief in God and practice ones chosen religion and
profession or job, without being hounded from ones position by idealogic
state control. It may well herald Nice guidelines for health personnel
belief and thought processes that must be adhered to at all costs.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests:
No competing interests
25 March 2009
Eugene G Breen
Consultant psychiatrist
Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Eccles St , Dublin 7, Ireland.
Obama and conscience
The recent move by Mr Obama to recind the "conscience clause " for
health professionals, is another step along the road to state control of
conscience. The closest example of this type of shackling of legitimate
freedom of action, thought and expression, was exercised by a state at war
with USA for decades and still a threat. Obamas legalising of stem cell
research, injecting millions into abortion clinics, and now attempting to
outlaw conscious objection, contravenes the very foundation of American
freedom, tolerance and principles of democracy. It begs the question what
country are we talking about. A states refusal to accommodate diversity of
views that are based on genuine religious beliefs and ethical bases, is an
offense against a persons most basic rights ( after the right to life ),
the right to belief in God and practice ones chosen religion and
profession or job, without being hounded from ones position by idealogic
state control. It may well herald Nice guidelines for health personnel
belief and thought processes that must be adhered to at all costs.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests