Conscientious Objection 101 Webinar October 2026

This workshop provides a clear and practical overview of conscientious objection in abortion care for health professionals in Queensland. Participants will gain an understanding of their legal rights and obligations as conscientious objectors with a focus on Queensland, and how to navigate these responsibilities while maintaining professional and ethical standards.

The session covers strategies for communicating objections respectfully with patients, colleagues, and employers, and explores ways to ensure clients can access timely abortion care through appropriate referrals. Participants will learn practical approaches to meet legal requirements while staying aligned with their personal values.

Learning outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Explain the legal and ethical responsibilities of conscientious objectors in abortion care.

• Communicate objections clearly and respectfully to patients, colleagues, and employers.

• Identify referral pathways to ensure clients’ access to abortion services.

• Apply practical strategies to comply with legal requirements while maintaining personal and professional integrity.

Workshop aims
To equip health professionals with knowledge and practical skills to navigate conscientious objection in abortion care safely, ethically, and legally.

Workshop structure
This short online workshop includes discussion, case examples, and practical guidance.

Time

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour

• On completion of this training, you may request via email a certificate of attendance

Target audience
This workshop is suitable for health professionals who may encounter conscientious objection in abortion care, including doctors, nurses, midwives, and allied health staff.

Prerequisite knowledge
No prior knowledge is required, although familiarity with basic abortion care pathways is recommended.

ALWAYS WAS, ALWAYS WILL BE ABORIGINAL LAND

Children by Choice acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities.

In particular, we acknowledge the country north and south of the Brisbane River, as the home of both the Turrbul and Jagera nations. We pay our respect to them, their culture, and to their Elders both past and present.

Children by Choice reserves the right to alter this program or facilitator/s without further notice, however, the program is intended to run as agreed. Children by Choice reserves the right to cancel this training workshop, and if this occurs, registrants will be notified and any advance payments refunded in full. 

This event is offered in accordance with Children by Choice's pro-choice framework. Children by Choice reserve the right to refuse registrations and remove individuals from the event and to hold sessions virtually if needed due to current Queensland Health advice.