Two pro-life Swedish midwives have been denied an application to the European Court of Human Rights to have their conscientious objection cases heard.

Ellinor Grimmark and Linda Steen refused to perform abortions for conscientious reasons and were then denied employment as midwives in Sweden. After going through Swedish courts, they appealed to the European Court of Human Rights, but in a short written decision Thursday, the Court found the application inadmissible.

Representing the midwives, Robert Clarke, Deputy Director of ADF International, said they were “very disappointed” with the Court’s decision.

“A positive judgment from the Court would have been an important step in the protection of the right to freedom of conscience. Medical professionals should be able to work without being forced to choose between their deeply held convictions and their careers.  Although freedom of conscience is protected as a fundamental right in almost every other European country, the decision today marks a missed opportunity to uphold this important protection in Sweden. In its short written decision, the Court agreed that Sweden had interfered with the rights of these midwives. However, in failing to take up the case, the decision marks a dangerous departure from the Court’s purpose in protecting fundamental freedoms.”