Conservative MP’s bill on conscience rights fails, but gets Poilievre’s supportOTTAWA — Nearly all Conservative members of Parliament voted for a bill they say would protect the conscience rights of health professionals when it comes to medical assistance in dying. The bill was introduced by Kelly Block, a Conservative MP fromruralSaskatchewan who hails from the party's social conservative wing, which champions the issue of conscience rights. Block released a statement after Wednesday's vote, saying there is growing concern among medical professionals they "may be forced to participate" in the procedure, given plans for its expansion. Campaign Life Coalition, an anti-abortion organization that backs Tory MPs who also oppose the procedure, applauded Block's proposal after it failed Wednesday. Proponents of conscience rights have in the past been clear they feel they should apply to a range of medical services, including abortion and gender reassignment surgery.

Source: CBC News October 05, 2022 23:21 UTC