Do you get asked your religion when you want to see a doctor?

[Jordan...]

I think it's a question on the registration forms for changing which surgery you attend over here. But I don't think anyone has ever asked outright about religion.

[Virelai]

I have never been asked that. That would be awkward.

 

I've been to many doctors over the past several years and I have never seen this at all. I am glad.

[Lysandre, the Star-Crossed]

On 11/21/2022 at 8:00 AM, bare_trees said:

Asking because my doctor moved to a different clinic, so I had to go through the intake process as though I was a new patient of hers.  I had to do it over the phone; completing the form online wasn't an option.  The scheduler I was speaking to went down a list of items and when she said, "Religion?" I was surprised because I've never been asked that to see a doctor, and didn't think it was any of their business.  I asked some friends about it and they said it's asked because some religions don't believe in blood transfusions and that sort of thing.  Is it typical that new patients are asked this?

I believe that the only time I've been asked was on an intake form for my therapist. I'm not really sure why it mattered, I'm guessing it's more of a cultural sensitivity thing because they also asked things like gender identity that most of my doctors do not. Personally I wouldn't disclose my religion because it's almost never going to be important. I suppose one or two religions have core beliefs that impact caregiving though.

[The French Unicorn]

No, but asking for people religion is not something we often do in my country, so...

[Lysandre, the Star-Crossed]

The only other context I could see it coming up in is if they're wanting to offer end of life support, like having a priest or imam present to give last rites or something similar. 

[Dreamfyre]

Hindus and Muslims do not eat pork and beef. Some hindus follow strict vegan diets because of ahimsa. If you pick a leaf or fruit to consume that's considered bad karma because you're causing pain to another living thing and you need to pray to remedy that. If you're doing to a nutritionist or any doctor regarding stomach issues or you're hospitalized and have to be provided with meals it's important for them to know.

 

Some muslims do not like vaccines because they use pork based gelatin products when making  the formula and that is considered haram.

 

Some sects of rastafarians are also strictly vegan to a point they do not believe in consuming "big pharma" medicines.

I can't remember who is against blood transfusions.

 

If you are dying the hospital will usually ask for a pandit or priest to do the last rites. Shocker I know but religion does provide comfort to many patients and their families.

 

I live in a multi religious country it's no surprise to to be asked religion since those things I mentioned affect the body and health.

[Guest]

Yes, when seeing a consultant as an outpatient the first time you get asked do you have a religion in the UK. My answer is "no". I believe its because some religions require specific diets or avoidance of certain ingredients, or avoiding blood transfusions. 

[AlsoKnownAs]

I've mentioned it to my mental health counselors, but no one else.

AKA

[Ruka_sei]

Last time I went, I was asked.

[Nirnroot]

They ask me this whenever I start with a new therapist. But not at a GP and not every time, and there's the option to refuse to say. 

[Lady Maria]

No doctor ever asked me this and if they did, I'd very rudely tell them I'm a complete heathen.

[Cloaked Dragon]

No. I've never been asked.
I live in one of the most secular parts of the world. I think, around here you're presumed an atheist/agnostic until proven otherwise.

[R_1]

Late answer, but if I was asked, I'd find another doctor ASAP.

[oldgeeza]

Before COVID it was almost impossible to see a doctor, now it is absolutely impossible to see a doctor so no, I don't get asked about religion 

[iff]

@bare_trees

 

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