Discipline charges for doctor, pastor
Patient asked to `reconsider' having abortion
A Saskatoon doctor is facing disciplinary charges over accusations he told a patient not to get an abortion for religious reasons.
The comments Dr. Terence Davids made last December caused the patient to feel anxious and uncomfortable, says a College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan charge document.
It says Davids, who is also a pastor, told the patient, “I hope you have loved ones in heaven who will take care of your baby in heaven.”
The college alleges the doctor asked whether the patient believed in God and, when the answer was no, Davids said, “Well, you must believe in something.”
He is also accused of saying, “I think you will regret this and you can't take it back,” and “I think you should reconsider.”
Davids didn't immediately respond to a request for comment left at his clinic on Thursday.
The charge document says a hearing date is pending.
The college's policy says doctors can decline to provide health services against their conscience, but they are required to find other arrangements and not promote their own moral or religious beliefs.
“Physicians' freedom of conscience should be respected,” the policy states, in listing its guiding principles.
However, it goes on to state that this may sometimes come into conflict with a physician's obligations, and the policy seeks to offer doctors clarity on what to do in such a case.
Essentially, physicians can decline to provide “legally permissible and publicly funded health services” if it conflicts with their freedom of conscience, but they must make arrangements for the patient to obtain “the full and balanced health information required to make a legally valid, informed choice about medical treatment,” and make an arrangement “that will allow the patient to obtain access to the health service if the patient chooses.”
A doctor can meet these obligations by making arrangements for the patient to meet with another medical professional.
The policy states that in exercising freedom of conscience, a physician should not impede access to such health services.
“While informing a patient, physicians must not communicate or otherwise behave in a manner that is demeaning to the patient or to the patient's beliefs, lifestyle, choices, or values,” the policy states.
It notes that a doctor mustn't provide “coercive” information to patients.
“Physicians must not promote their own moral or religious beliefs when interacting with a patient.”
The college's website says Davids received his medical degree in 2002 from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa.
Davids is also a pastor and recently held a sermon at the Humboldt Bridge Ministry.