Canadian Medical Association

Position on Induced Abortion

Approved by the CMA Board of Directors, December 15, 1988

Summary:

The CMA defines abortion as "the active termination of a pregnancy before fetal viability," and states that physicians should not be forced to participate in abortions. Physicians who object to abortion for reasons of conscience are advised to inform their patients of their objections so that the patient can consult another physician. The CMA stresses that physicians who decline to participate in abortion should not be discriminated against, and emphasizes the need to respect the rights of conscientious objectors, especially those in training for obstetrics and gynecology, and anesthesia.

The CMA declined to give permission for the Project to post a copy of the policy on the website. The position statement can be accessed here on their website.