A deadline is fast approaching that will fundamentally alter the way Canadians treat end-of-life decisions.
Last February, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down the law banning doctor-assisted dying.
In four months, clearly consenting adults enduring intolerable physical or mental suffering must be allowed to seek medical help in ending their lives.
Dr. Larry Reynolds won't be part of that process.
"I couldn't kill a patient, no," said Reynolds.
Reynolds said physicians have a moral obligation not to take part in such a process, and this includes referring patients to doctors who would provide the service.
"By saying, ‘I can't do it, but I know someone who will do it,’ really kind of puts the physician in an awkward position violating 150 or 300 years of medical practice,” said Reynolds.
The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Manitoba is tackling the issue right now.
"Physicians who can't provide this, and the right of the patient to access this. How do you balance those? What's the process?" said Dr. Anna Ziomek, Registrar of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Manitoba.
On October 15th, the college will present a draft statement on what that process will be.
It will set out the duties and responsibilities doctors in Manitoba will have. It will publish the draft statement on its website next week.
Following feedback, the final statement will be completed a month later.
