At a Crossroads Social Work, Conscientious Objection, and Religious Liberty Laws

Course overview

This course is based upon material published in the Online Journal of Health Ethics and is available as an open-access article. Abstract: Recently, several states have passed legislation allowing conscientious objection for social workers. Due to the potential impact on the profession that these policies carry, it is critical that this issue be explored and discussed within the social work profession. This article examines the arguments for and against conscientious objection, discusses the use of conscientious objection in other professions, and then explores the potential options and consequences for social work. The argument is made that the profession of social work should seek to define itself and its values related to conscientious objection before outside forces make the decision for us. This course on the ethics of conscientious objective and social work is specifically designed for social workers. However, conscientious objection laws apply to other behavioral health professionals, such as professional counselors, and substance abuse counselors, who may also benefit from this course. This course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced level practitioners who need ethics education and wish to evaluate the implications of conscientious objection laws. Author: Mongan Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding conscientious objection laws and values and ethics. Specifically, a professional will: Describe how conscientious objection laws may negatively affect clients. Identify recent religious freedom and conscientious objection laws. Recognize arguments supporting and opposing conscientious objection laws. Citation: Mongan, P. (2018). At a crossroads: Social work, conscientious objection, and religious liberty laws. Online Journal of Health Ethics, 14(1).