Freedom Of Conscience — Somewhat Safer In Ontario, Under Threat In Alberta

Good news: College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario backed off a controversial proposal that would have forced doctors to "check their consciences at the door". In a revised version of the proposed code of conduct, the part that would deny doctors the right to conscientious objection is gone. (Although the threat of a "human rights" action from OHRC is still there.)

Bad news: Now it's the Alberta Collge of Physicians and Surgeons which tries to take away physicians' freedom of conscience. Their new draft document entitled the "Health Professions Act Standards of Practice" would force doctors to refer their patients for abortions, even if they are personally opposed to the practice.

The specific line - under a section entitled “Termination of Pregnancy and Birth Control” - states:

”Even if a physician’s religious or personal convictions prevent the physician from advising or offering care regarding birth control or termination of a pregnancy, the physician must ensure that the patient who seeks such advice or medical care is offered access to information and assistance in making an informed decision and access to available medical options.“

It may seem at first that the purpose of those regulation is merely to ensure that the patient is provided with enough information to make an informed decision. But is it really the case?

If that were truly the case, abortion providers would inform their "clients" (what most are in fact) that abortion is linked to elevated risks of pre-term delivery -- and multiple abortions to Cerebral Palsy -- in future pregnancies, not to mention an elevated risk for future mental dysfunction, including suicide.

But they don't. Again, their ideological commitment to abortion's political symbolism outweighs their professional ethical obligation to ensure "informed consent."

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So this turns out to be yet another attempt to shove abortion down doctors' throat. Nothing else.