n a state that does not include sexual orientation as a legally protected class, a pediatrician objects to treating an infant child with lesbian parents. She is concerned that her deeply held views about homosexuality will compromise her ability to give proper care that fully includes the parents. She is concerned that this may result in potential harm to the patient thereby violating her oath to ‘do no harm’.

• Ensure the patient receives the care they need
  • Ideally, the pediatrician should be the one to provide care for this patient. The doctor should remember that her job is to provide medical care to her patients, regardless of the patient’s/parents’ identities. If the provider, supervisor, and/or ethics committee determine that the baby’s care will suffer because of the provider’s beliefs regarding the parents’ sexual orientation, then it may be best for the provider to respectfully refuse this patient and refer to another provider.