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It is argued that the current policy of the British Medical Association (BMA) on conscientious objection is not aligned with recent human rights developments. These grant a right to conscientious objection to doctors in many more circumstances than the very few recognised by the BMA. However, this wide-ranging right may be overridden if the refusal to accommodate the conscientious objection is proportionate. It is shown that it is very likely that it is lawful to refuse to accommodate conscientious objections that would result in discrimination of protected groups. It is still uncertain, however, in what particular circumstances the objection may be lawfully refused, if it poses risks to the health and safety of patients. The BMA's policy has not caught up with these human rights developments and ought to be changed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many jurisdictions require cyclists to wear bicycle helmets. The UK is currently not one of these. However, an increasing number of interest groups, including the British Medical Association, want to change the status quo. They argue that mandatory cycle helmet laws will reduce the incidence of head injuries and that this will be both good for cyclists (because they will suffer fewer head injuries) and good for society (because the burden of having to treat cyclists suffering from head injuries will be reduced). In this paper we argue against this position. We suggest that cycle helmets may not be especially effective in reducing head injuries and we suggest that the imposition of such a restrictive law would violate people's freedom and reduce their autonomy. We also argue that those who accept such a restrictive law would be committed to supporting further legislation which would force many other groups -- including pedestrians -- to take fewer risks with their health. We conclude that cycle helmet legislation should not be enacted in the UK unless, perhaps, it is restricted to children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the first five of the 24 recommendations that outline the British Medical Association (BMA) proposals for the high-level governance of the British National Health Service (NHS). These include a recommendation which suggests that a constitution for the NHS should settle an agreement between the government, the NHS and the public. Another implies that an independent board of governors must be established in order to divide national politics from day-to-day running of the NHS.

Focuses on the position of the British Medical Association (BMA) on the issue of abortion time limits in Great Britain. Motion debated by BMA; Developments in medicine on which supporters of the motion focused; Reason behind the option of women for abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Ethical guidance from the British Medical Association (BMA) about treating doctor-patients is compared and contrasted with evidence from a qualitative study of general practitioners (GPs) who have been patients. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 17 GPs who had experienced a significant illness. Their experiences were discussed and issues about both being and treating doctor-patients were revealed. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to evaluate the data. In this article data extracts are used to illustrate and discuss three key points that summarise the BMA ethical guidance, in order to develop a picture of how far experiences map onto guidance. The data illustrate and extend the complexities of the issues outlined by the BMA document. In particular, differences between experienced GPs and those who have recently completed their training are identified. This analysis will be useful for medical professionals both when they themselves are unwell and when they treat doctor-patients. It will also inform recommendations for professionals who educate medical students or trainees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The british Medical Association wants to criminalise all boxing. This article examines the logic of the arguments it uses and finds them wanting. The move from medical evidence about the risk of brain damage to the conclusion that boxing should be banned is not warranted. The BMA's arguments are a combination of inconsistent paternalism and legal moralism. Consistent application of the principles implicit in the BMA's arguments would lead to absurd consequences and to severe limitations being put on individual freedom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers news briefs related to medical ethics. Healthcare Professionals for Change (HPC) was launched in October 2010; and the organization challenges the policy of the British Medical Association (BMA) which prohibits assisted dying. Two anti-abortion campaigners will not be prosecuted for protesting against abortion outside a British Pregnancy Advisory Service clinic. In October 2010, the BMA gave evidence to the public inquiry into the death of Iraqi civilian, Baha Mousa.

Discusses the context in which the British Medical Association first considered publishing specific guidelines on decisions about attempting cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Impact of the guidelines on health workers, the public and the media; Implication of Human Rights Act 1998 on the guidelines; Recommendation in the guidelines.