Protection of Freedom of Conscience Act
Status: Bill C-230 is currently in 2nd reading in the House of Commons
Background: Bill C-230 is a private members bill introduced by MP Kelly Block on
February 4, 2022. The bill would amend the Criminal Code to make it an offence to
intimidate a health care professional, such as a medical practitioner, nurse
practitioner, or pharmacist, to compel them to participate in providing medical
assistance in dying (MAiD). It would also protect medical professionals from being
hired or fired based on their willingness to participate, directly or indirectly, in
providing MAiD.
Analysis: Freedom of conscience is a fundamental freedom protected under the
Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Bill C-230 recognizes that medical professionals
should be able to do their job based on their moral framework and conscientious
convictions. Currently, doctors can be forced to participate in MAiD through
effective referrals and there is no protection for those who believe they cannot
participate.
You can read more about this bill here.
