Dear Editor:
Recently I have learned that the Saskatchewan Council of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSS) have approved in principle a new policy called “Conscientious Refusal” during its meeting in January 2015. This policy does not acknowledge pro life values and suggests that physicians who decline to provide certain medical treatments for reasons of conscience should be compelled to refer their patients to other physicians who perform these services. This policy is dangerous as it potentially would jeopardize the health of patients as well as the unborn, the elderly, the handicapped, the mentally ill, etc. I believe physicians should provide for appropriate care for their patients and psychosocial support even when cure is No Longer possible.
We need more funding and facilities that provide good palliative care which includes pain management for all.
Send your comments to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan by March 6, 2015 by sending an email to [email protected] or sending a letter to College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan 500-321 21st Street East, Saskatoon S7K OC1 stating that physicians need to uphold their promise to “Do Not Harm” and that if euthanasia or assisted suicide be legalized, physicians must maintain their right of conscience to refuse to participate in any way.
Ted Deneschuk
President
Parkland Right to Life
Yorkton, Sk.
