Why Sask.'s physician regulator is axing its unplanned pregnancy policy
The Council of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan has rescinded its guidelines on how physicians should handle unplanned pregnancies.
Associate Registrar Bryan Salte told CTV News the council at its June meeting questioned why the college would have a guideline for terminating pregnancies when it doesn't have guidelines for other procedures.
"And I think that part of the message was it potentially stigmatizes this, to have it as part of a very specific standalone policy that says we have to deal with unplanned pregnancies in a very specific way and set up a bunch of specific rules for it," he told CTV News.
The guideline had included clinical expectations such as confirming the pregnancy and determining any abnormalities, Salte said. It also set expectations about providing information to the patient about their options, including maintaining the pregnancy, and what they should be told if they choose to terminate the pregnancy.
Even without the unplanned pregnancy guidelines, physicians are obligated under informed consent regulations to discuss the risks, benefits and treatment options a patient has in terminating a pregnancy as they do with all other medical conditions, Salte said.
Doctors with a conscientious objection to ending a pregnancy or other issues such as birth control or genetic testing must arrange for the patient to obtain that information from somebody who doesn't have a conscientious objection.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Sask. RCMP issue Amber Alert for 7-year-old girl and 8-year-old boy
An Amber Alert was issued Monday evening by Shaunavon RCMP in Saskatchewan for seven-year-old Luna Potts and eight-year-old Hunter Potts.

Trump says Florida estate 'under siege, raided, and occupied' by FBI
The FBI searched Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate as part of an investigation into whether he took classified records from the White House to his Florida residence, people familiar with the matter said Monday, a move that represents a dramatic and unprecedented escalation of law enforcement scrutiny of the former president.
Anne Heche remains in critical condition as police continue to investigate her car crash
Anne Heche has remained in critical condition since crashing her vehicle into a Los Angeles residence on Friday, according to a new representative for the actress.
Helicopters bring supplies to Newfoundland towns cut off by raging forest fires
Helicopters have begun bringing essential supplies to southern Newfoundland towns cut off from the rest of the island by two out-of-control forest fires.
WhatsApp is going to stop letting everyone see when you're online
Two new features being introduced on WhatsApp, which will let you choose who can see when you're active, and to leave groups silently, will start rolling out to all WhatsApp users this month.
Actor, singer Olivia Newton-John dies at age 73
Singer and actor Olivia Newton-John, who was best known for playing Sandy in the film 'Grease,' has died at the age of 73, according to her husband.
Billionaires are funding a massive treasure hunt in Greenland as ice vanishes
Some of the world's richest men are funding a massive treasure hunt, complete with helicopters and transmitters, on the west coast of Greenland.
Ashton Kutcher says he battled the debilitating disease vasculitis. Here's what it is
Ashton Kutcher revealed Monday he had battled a serious autoimmune disease that affected his hearing, sight and ability to walk for more than a year.
RCMP has been using spyware tools for years and in more cases than previously reported, MPs told
Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and senior RCMP officers are defending the national police force's years-long and previously undisclosed use of spyware—capable of remotely accessing cell phone and computer microphones, cameras and other data—as part of dozens of major investigations.