Advocacy group criticizes Manitoba's proposed policy on doctor-assisted dying

Dying With Dignity Canada has big concerns aboutproposed physician-assisted dyingregulations from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba.

The group, whichadvocates for compassionate end-of-life choices, says the CPSM's rules"will block desperately ill patients from accessing their charter right to physician-assisted dying."

On Thursday, the CPSM, which regulates the practice of medicine in Manitoba, issued itsdraft statement on physician-assisted dying.The policy, which has yet to be ratified, sets out guidelines for how the province's doctors should handle requests for aid in dying.

• Manitoba College of Physicians and Surgeons releases draft statement on doctor-assisted dying

The CPSM'sdraft policy prioritizes physicians' interests over patients' rights, the DWD states in a release issued on Friday.

This policy is unacceptableand we fear it will lead to the abandonment of horrifically illManitobanslooking to achieve a peaceful end to their lives.- ShanaazGokool, Dying with Dignity Canada

The draft policy statesdoctors who object to assisted dying for moral or religious reasons should not be required to refer patients who request it to another provider, the DWD notes, adding the policyonly requires doctors to provide information to patients on how to seek out a willing physician on their own.

"This policy is unacceptableand we fear it will lead to the abandonment of horrifically ill Manitobans looking to achieve a peaceful end to their lives," DWD Canada'sShanaaz Gokool stated in the release.

"The college cannot reasonably expect patients, especially those at end of life, to have the physical and emotional wherewithal to find a willing doctor to help end their suffering. Failing to provide these patients with an effective referral, threatens to block them from accessing their charter right to physician assisted dying."

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As of Feb. 6, 2016, it will be legal in Canada for a physician to assist a competent adult in taking his or her own life under strict conditions.Several doctors in Manitobahave told CBC News they will refuse to participate in physician-assisted suicide, and they won't refer patients to other doctors out of conscientious objection.

"Doctors' right of conscience is extremely important," Gokool said. "But we must not forget that the needs and interests of patients must come first in our medical system."

The CPSM has launcheda 30-day consultation process on the draft statementand hasan online survey available thoughitswebsiteto gather feedback.The last day submissions will be takenis Nov.15

"We will be calling on our supporters in Manitoba to raise their voice for a compassionate, patient-centred approach to physician assisted dying," said Gokool.

"We must not allow the medical establishment to abandon patients facing unendurable suffering in their time of greatest need."