Samvetsfrihet - Det nya abortmotståndet? : En motivanalys av samvetsfrihet inom barnmorskeyrket.

Freedom of conscience has, since 2014, been intensely discussed in the Swedish society. The debate commenced when two separate midwifes decided to take legal action against their respective employers, who had denied them employment as midwives because of their refusal to engage in care involving abortion. The midwives claimed their refusal to assist in this procedure was protected by their right to freedom of conscience, consequently, they had been subjected to discrimination. This study aims to detect the motives in the ongoing debate regarding the right to freedom of conscience for midwifes within Swedish healthcare. By using a motive analysis, based on Axel Hadenius’ theory, the study aimed to determine if the motive behind the invocation of freedom of conscience derived from a human rights perspective or a resistance towards abortion. The conclusion of the study found that the real motive for the midwives, and those defending freedom of conscience, fundamentally was a resistance towards abortion. Furthermore, the study determined that the invocation of this freedom, in fact, was a new way for people and organisations, harbouring anti-abortion values, to express their resistance.