Abortion referral and MD emigration: areas of concern and study for CMA.

This section of the Code of Ethics does not mention abortion, but that was the principle area of concern when this revised section was approved by General Council, the governing body of the Association, in June 1977. The Code of Ethics does not require a physician whose personal morality prohibits him from counselling, recommending or arranging an abortion to refer a patient seeking that service to a physician who will definitely, without question, provide the service desired. Indeed, such action would be contrary to the intent of the Ethics Committee that proposed the change. Incorrect mass media news stories spread confusion on this matter. Thus it is important that members of the profession not only be conversant with this section of the code and its intent, but that they take an active role in clearing up the apparent confusion. Prior to the June 1977 meeting of General Council, a physician with a conflict of interest (professional vs personal interest position) because of his personal morality, was required to inform the patient, and nothing more. The Ethics Committee recognized that, on occasion, this could result in a patient being (de facto) abandoned a result that was not in keeping with the tenets of the profession. The intent of the change was to place responsibility on the physician, not only to inform the patient of the conflict of interest created by his moral position, but also to help the patient find other sources of assistance. The physician might refer the patient to a colleague without such a