Alberta considers bill to protect conscience rights of physicians

ALBERTA – Lutheran Church–Canada echoes the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) in its support of Bill 207, a private member’s bill which would ensure health care providers in Alberta are not forced to participate in the provision of services like abortion or physician assisted suicide if they go against their deeply held beliefs.

“A doctor’s conscience is based in beliefs that are deeply held and central to their life and their approach to medicine,” the EFC explains in a statement on the issue. “The decision to participate in ending a patient’s life is not based in a person’s preference or opinion, but in deeply held beliefs about life and death. The government has an obligation to promote respect and tolerance of all, including religious minorities.”

“Some are saying Bill 207 is redundant or unnecessary, but there are health care workers who support and welcome this legislation,” the statement continues. “Not every health care professional will have a conscientious objection, but for those that do, it’s important that we heed their concerns and respect and protect their deeply held beliefs.”

As the Albertan legislature considers the bill, the EFC encourages Christians to pray. It also invites residents of Alberta to contact their MLAs in support of Bill 207. You can find resources, including a sample letter and information on finding your MLA, at the EFC’s website here.

Since the legalization of physician assisted suicide in Canada in 2016, health professionals in Canada have faced significant challenges to conscience rights. In May 2019, the Ontario Appeals Court upheld an earlier ruling that said physicians in that province could be forced to provide an effective referral for patients seeking physician assisted suicide. The Court conceded this was a violation of physician’s rights but declared it justifiable in the interests of offering access to assisted suicide.

Some provinces have allowed patients to self-refer for physician assisted suicide, helping to ensure the protection of conscience rights of objecting physicians. The proposed Alberta legislation would enshrine these rights in provincial law.

Additional information on physician conscience rights is available from the Christian Medical and Dental Society.

The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada is a national association of Christian denominations, churches, and organizations that brings a Christian voice to wider public discourse on a variety of issues, including ones related to sanctity of life and freedom of religion. Lutheran Church–Canada is a member of the EFC.

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