Guidelines

Moral Factors and Medical Care (Draft)

 

Some years ago Council approved a “commentary” on the obligations physicians may have when requested to provide a service to which they have a specific moral objection.  Noting that the issue arises infrequently, Council nevertheless feels that physicians should receive clear advice regarding what they are, or not, expected to do in these circumstances.  To that end, Council wished to circulate the following guideline, based on one from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, for a comment by members.

 

(1) A physician must communicate clearly and promptly about any treatments or procedures the physician chooses not to provide because of his or her moral or religious beliefs.

(2) A physician must not withhold information about the existence of a procedure or treatment because providing that procedure or giving advice about it conflicts with their moral or religious beliefs.

(3) A physician must not promote their own moral or religious beliefs when interacting with patients.

 

(4) When moral or religious beliefs prevent a physician from     providing or offering access to information about a legally available medical or surgical treatment or service, that physician must ensure that the patient who seeks such advice or medical care is offered timely access to another physician or resource that will provide accurate information about all available medical options.

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