| Repression of Conscience
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Doctor's faith under scrutiny:
Barrie physician won't offer the pill, could lose his licence
The
Barrie Examiner, February 21, 2002
(Reproduced with
permission)
Related Links |
by
Cheryl Canning A Barrie doctor could lose his licence to practise medicine because of his
religious beliefs. |
Disciplinary
Hearing of Doctor Who Won't Prescribe Pill Open to Public
Dr. Dawson Requests Prayers and
Letters of Support
Life
Site News (Reproduced
with permission)
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Related Links Doctor's faith under scrutiny Telegraph Journal National Post The Barrie Examiner BC Medical Journal Who is "imposing morality" in Barrie? OCP&S accommodates Christian physician |
BARRIE, ON, February 22, 2002 (LSN.ca) - Dr. Stephen Dawson, the family
doctor who is in danger of losing his medical licence over his refusal to
prescribe the birth control pill to unmarried women clarified his position
in an interview with LifeSite last night. Dr. Dawson told LifeSite
that the initial coverage in the Barrie Examiner suggested he may
compromise on the matter. He clarified: "Under no circumstances will
I compromise. I would rather lose my licence." Dr. John Patrick, Director of
Public Policy of the Christian Medical and Dental Society (CMDS) of Canada
echoed these concerns to LifeSite. Apart from all the medical and
psychological concerns over abortion and abortifacient drugs, Dr. Patrick
explained that
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Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons accommodates Christian physician
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Related Links Doctor's faith under scrutiny Telegraph Journal National Post The Barrie Examiner BC Medical Journal Disciplinary Hearing Who is "imposing morality" in Barrie?
Dawson's licence
revoked
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The Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons has accepted a suggestion from Dr. Stephen Dawson that has resolved complaints lodged against him. Dr. Dawson, a Christian physician who practises in Barrie, Ontario, was charged for professional misconduct because he refused to prescribe birth control pills to four unmarried women.Dr. Dawson now posts a policy statement in his waiting room that includes a statement that he will not prescribe birth control pills to unmarried women nor Viagra to unmarried men, nor will he arrange for abortions. He will not offer further information about his religious convictions except in response to queries from patients. The resolution reflects the fact that there were two different issues at play in the case: the exercise of freedom of conscience, and the manner in which it was exercised. College spokesman Kathryn Clarke explained that the focus of the College was on the latter. "We simply wish to be assured that when he explains to his patients why he does not provide these services that he does so in a professional and respectful manner." Dr. John Williams, director of ethics for the Canadian Medical Association, confirmed that physicians are not obliged "to do something that they feel is wrong", and do not have to refer patients in such cases. Dr. Williams made a similar statement in conversation with the Project Administrator in the spring of 2000. [CMAJ] |
Dawson's licence revoked for sexual misconduct
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Related Links Doctor's faith under scrutiny Telegraph Journal National Post The Barrie Examiner BC Medical Journal Disciplinary Hearing Who is "imposing morality" in Barrie?
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On 9 May, 2005, the Discipline Committee of the College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Ontario revoked Dr. Dawson's registration as a physician for
having engaged in the sexual abuse of a married female patient. He was
ordered to appear before a panel to be reprimanded and to pay costs to the
College in the amount of $2,500.00. A
summary of the judgement is available on the College website..
The Globe and Mail reported that Dawson did not dispute the allegations that he had engaged in sexual activity with the patient, including oral sex and masturbation, in November and December, 1999. Dawson was, at that time, separated from his wife, and the patient was having severe marital problems. A statement by Dawson, quoted in the report, indicates that he ended the affair because his faith had become increasingly important to him, " that he felt compelled to reconcile with his spouse, and . . .encouraged Patient A to do the same." He continued to see patient until 2002. A victim impact statement from the patient indicated that Dawson used bible study as an excuse to establish the relationship with her, and that the incident had such an effect on her that she considered suicide a year after the affair ended. |
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