A Calgary doctor is being criticized by patients for refusing to prescribe birth control at a walk-in clinic.
When Dr. Chantal Barry is on shift a sign at the WestGlen Medical Centre informs patients that the doctor on duty does not prescribe birth control pills.
According to representatives with the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons, all physicians are legally entitled to refuse to provide medical service based on religious or moral grounds, but must provide patients with contact details for a doctor willing to provide the service.
Patient Joan Chand’oiseau believes personal bias has no place in the public health care system.
“It is offensive to me because it contains overt judgment of my choices and my reproductive health,” said Chand’oiseau. “I think that affects everyone in that clinic regardless of whether or not they’re visiting that doctor.”
“Having the sign present, bolded, in yellow highlighter, so that it is not to be missed, is judging every single person in that clinic.”
Agencies/Canadajournal
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