N.S. policy could lead to loss of dozens of physicians

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia is drafting a policy that would force doctors to provide a referral for surgical or medical treatments that go against their values or beliefs. This usually happens for cases like MAID, abortion and gender-affirming care. Two dozen physicians in N.S. signed a letter indicating they can’t follow the policy and that if it’s put in place, they’ll either leave the province to practice elsewhere or retire early. The doctors against the policy would instead prefer to simply provide information and assist the patient in accessing it, but nothing more. Doctors Nova Scotia said it would be disappointing if doctors left the practice, however, it supports an effective referral system.