TORONTO | An unscientific poll suggests that Canadians support a doctor’s right to refuse some procedures on the grounds of moral beliefs.
fundamental rights of those who seek their medical services
The new stats from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario tallied up some 14,000 votes, giving the edge to the doctor’s beliefs.
The poll asked: “Do you think a physician should be allowed to refuse to provide a patient with a treatment or procedure because it conflicts with the physician’s religious or moral beliefs?”
So far, about 56% of respondents (8,331 votes) have said “yes.” Meanwhile, 43% ” (or about 6,400 votes) have said “no.” The rest picked “Don’t know.”
Check out the poll here.
The poll comes as the CPSO reviews its human rights policies.
“This policy sets out physicians’ legal obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the college’s expectations that physicians will respect the fundamental rights of those who seek their medical services,” states the CPSO’s website.
As the review continues, the CPSO is seeking feedback from physicians and community members.
The timeliness of the review also merits mention, as the Canadian Medical Association and the health-care community at large grapples with issues such as the right-to-die and physician-assisted suicide—both of which will be on the agenda as the CMA meets next month in Ottawa.
Recently, headlines about a physician in Calgary who refused to prescribe the birth control pill also created a stir nationally about where a doctor’s rights mesh with those of patients.
“The feedback obtained during this consultation will be carefully reviewed and used to evaluate the draft. While it may not be possible to ensure that every comment or suggested edit will be incorporated into the revised policy, all comments will be carefully considered,” states the college.
Click here to be a part of the discussion.
Written by JERED STUFFCO on July 24, 2014 for The Medical Post
