Why the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario is wrong in trying to deny doctors the right to refuse to participate in the procurement of procedures that contravenes their conscience
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) in their recently published revised policy on ‘Professional Obligations and Human Rights’ of March 2015 states: “Where physicians are unwilling to provide certain elements of care for reasons of conscience or religion, an effective referral to another health-care provider must be provided to the patient.” Effectively this policy crushes the conscience rights of doctors and puts at risk the safety of their patients. By stripping from physicians the ability to care for their patients in a respectful and moral manner independent of government edicts, patients lose an essential ally dedicated to their care. Put plainly, who can patients best trust to ensure the security of their life? A politicians or their physician? By bowing to the pressures of various government agencies such as provincial human rights commissions and tribunals the CPSO has allowed their membership to be disarmed in using their best medical and moral ju...