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Vaccination, conscientious objection and human rights

Leigh, Ian

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Authors

Ian Leigh ian.leigh@durham.ac.uk
Emeritus Professor



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

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