Doctor's worry over possible action by Medical Board of Australia on abortion referrals Dr Mark Hobart says he refused to refer a couple to an abortion clinic because they were seeking a termination because they did not want a girl. Picture: Jon Hargest Source: Sunday Herald Sun ANOTHER Melbourne doctor has raised concerns over laws that can punish GPs who refuse to refer patients to an abortion clinic. The suburban GP says he was found guilty of unprofessional conduct, cautioned and warned he could face tougher sanctions for making online remarks opposing the legal obligation for doctors to offer abortion referrals. The doctor said his "interrogation" and punishment by the Medical Board of Australia this year set a dangerous precedent. Melbourne GP Mark Hobart has told the Herald Sun he refused to refer a couple to an abortion clinic after discovering they were seeking a termination because they didn't want a girl. Dr Hobart, who stood as a candidate for the Democratic Labor Party at a Broadmeadows by-election in 2011, said he risked suspension, conditions being put on his ability to practise, or even deregistration for refusing to make the referral. He has since won strong public support for his stance. The family GP, who asked not to be named, applauded Dr Hobart's action, but feared he could face scrutiny. "If they're going to follow the precedent they took with me, then they will probably investigate him," he said. He has been very brave talking on the public record . . . it's clear he's got the community behind him. Under the Act, if a woman asks a doctor to advise on a proposed abortion and the practitioner has a conscientious objection, he or she must refer the woman to a practitioner who does not conscientiously object. "My case is the only one that has been taken anywhere in relation to that," the GP said.