If a doctor does not believe in a medical procedure, would they have the right to refuse in Canada?

Question

I'm just wondering about what the profession says about a doctor's beliefs. I read the doctor's Code of Ethics today, and I was wondering what happens to a doctor's beliefs when they are treating patients. What if they don't believe in a certain procedure, are they allowed to refuse it in Canada? Thank you!

Answer 1

I think that you are going to have to be much more specific.  What kind of procedure?  Abortion?  Usually if a doctor doesn't want to do something, it's a good idea to find another doctor, not a lawyer!  

Answer 2

Though Canada is a different country, a person's belief system wouldn't change because of the  location.  So i would have to say yes they would have the right to refuse.

Answer 3

On the one hand, there's freedom of conscience, etc.  A doctor who doesn't believe in abortions would be under no obligation to perform it.  (Well, unless the doctor worked for an abortion clinic, in which case he might be contractually obligated...but it seems rather unlikely that a pro-lifer doctor would accept a job with an abortion clinic in the first place.)

On the other hand, doctors do owe certain obligations to their patients.  They can't just pretend that a treatment option doesn't exist, because that would deprive their patients of the opportunity to make an informed decision.  For example, while a Jehovah's Witness doctor wouldn't have to perform an organ transplant personally, he'd be negligent if he failed to advise a cystic fibrosis patient that a double-lung transplant is an available treatment option.

Answer 4

A doctor does not need to perform a procedure he is not qualified or believes he should not do.  Seek another doctor.