Vaccination, conscientious objection and human rights

Leigh, Ian

Abstract

This paper discusses the extent to which conscientious objections to vaccination qualify for protection under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Drawing on an examination of the nature of conscience and the ethics of vaccine refusal, it argues that a narrow category of reasons for refusal to be vaccinated can be differentiated from more general ‘vaccine hesitancy’. In relation to conscience objections of this kind, it engages in a systematic analysis of the applicability of the ECHR, both in relation to compulsory vaccination, and so-called ‘vaccine passports’. It concludes that states can – and in some situations must – recognise conscientious objections under the ECHR.

Citation

Leigh, I. (2023). Vaccination, conscientious objection and human rights. Legal Studies, 43(2), 201-220. https://doi.org/10.1017/lst.2022.27

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 20, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Aug 24, 2022
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Deposit Date: Sep 15, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 15, 2022
• Journal: Legal Studies
• Print ISSN: 0261-3875
• Electronic ISSN: 1748-121X
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 43
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 201-220
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/lst.2022.27
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1191380