Illustration by Maqué Studio
Equality Bodies can ensure equal access to healthcare facilities and treatments, which guarantees that no one is excluded from enjoying their fundamental right to a healthy life.
On her journey to become a parent through biomedically assisted insemination, Ana was informed by her gynaecologist that they could no longer proceed with her medical treatment. The doctor invoked their conscientious objection to providing medical assistance to lesbian patients seeking assisted insemination.
Ana brought her case to the Advocate of the Principle of Equality in Slovenia, which initiated a discrimination investigation procedure. To further advocate for her rights, the Advocate reached out to the Medical Chamber of Slovenia, which affirmed that conscientious objection in this context was not valid or permissible, emphasising the importance of avoiding discrimination in medical practices.
The Advocate concluded that the doctor’s actions violated the prohibition of discrimination and that the mother-to-be had experienced discrimination solely based on her sexual orientation, contributing to the broader goal of fostering inclusivity and equality in healthcare.
Are you interested in knowing more about how Equinet and Equality Bodies promote equal access to healthcare?
Here’s some additional resources for you:
- Equinet is an active member of the DisQo network, led by the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA). With the other 59 member organisations, we have been working towards identifying actions to reduce the impact of racism and discrimination on both mental and physical health inequities, and in May 2023 we released a DisQo joint statement on stronger action against racism and discrimination in access to health. Most recently, and ahead of the 2024 EU Elections, DisQo released a statement calling for racism, discrimination and health to become a priority on the European Union’s political agenda.
- In 2024, Equinet will organise in collaboration with EPHA a workshop on Equality Bodies and racialised communities’ access to healthcare, with a focus on Roma people and on the role Equality Bodies may play in collaborating with National Roma Contact Points (NRCPs) and promoting equal access to healthcare. Stay tuned!