Close X
Thursday, November 14, 2024
ADVT 
National

Ontario doctors who refuse treatment on moral grounds must give referral: new rules

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 11 Dec, 2014 11:10 AM
  • Ontario doctors who refuse treatment on moral grounds must give referral: new rules

TORONTO — Canada's largest medical regulator wants to change its policies so that doctors who refuse to perform certain procedures — such as abortions — on moral grounds must refer patients to another doctor.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario says doctors were previously allowed to withhold treatment that clashed with their religious and moral beliefs but had no obligation to provide a referral.

Under new draft policies that are now under public consultation, doctors would also have to set aside their convictions when urgent medical care is needed.

The regulator, which represents some 38,000 physicians, is also updating its guidelines on end-of-life care to say doctors must obtain consent from the patient or caregiver before turning off life support.

Bernard Dickens, a medical law expert at the University of Toronto's Joint Centre for Bioethics, says Ontario would be the only province with such a requirement.

It stems from a recent Supreme Court decision that only applies to cases in Ontario.

"In other provinces, it's not certain and the Supreme Court left that open," Dickens said.

MORE National ARTICLES

Turtles vs. turbines: Ontario's top court deciding on nine-turbine project

Turtles vs. turbines: Ontario's top court deciding on nine-turbine project
TORONTO — A legal battle pitting turtles against wind turbines is being heard in a packed Ontario courtroom.

Turtles vs. turbines: Ontario's top court deciding on nine-turbine project

Man accused of murdering missing spouse after police find remains in their home

Man accused of murdering missing spouse after police find remains in their home
CALGARY — A Calgary man charged in the murder of his missing spouse after police found human remains in his house has had his court case put over.

Man accused of murdering missing spouse after police find remains in their home

Former privacy commissioner and journalist Bruce Phillips dead at 84

Former privacy commissioner and journalist Bruce Phillips dead at 84
TORONTO — Former journalist and federal privacy commissioner Bruce Phillips has died. He was 84.

Former privacy commissioner and journalist Bruce Phillips dead at 84

Toronto G20 police officer appeals conviction of assault with a weapon

Toronto G20 police officer appeals conviction of assault with a weapon
TORONTO — A Toronto police officer who was found guilty of assaulting a protester during the G20 summit four years ago is appealing his conviction.

Toronto G20 police officer appeals conviction of assault with a weapon

Today on the Hill: A cloud of renewed security threats

Today on the Hill: A cloud of renewed security threats
OTTAWA — As parliamentarians begin their final week of the fall sitting of the House of Commons, they do so under the cloud of renewed security threats.

Today on the Hill: A cloud of renewed security threats

Energy stocks punished on Toronto market as oil prices continue to plunge

Energy stocks punished on Toronto market as oil prices continue to plunge
CALGARY — Energy stocks were down nearly six per cent on the Toronto Stock Exchange as oil prices continued to plunge following last week's five per cent slide.

Energy stocks punished on Toronto market as oil prices continue to plunge