DAMSON CASE

As background reading for the PUBLIC Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons trial on April 15 of Dr. Stephen Damson on a charge of Professional Misconduct for refusing to prescribe contraceptive medication to four UNMARRIED women the following books are useful.

University of Kent, Professor of Modern Theology Robin GILL ed."The Cambridge Companion to Christian Ethics",Cambridge University Press,Cambridge,2001. (University of Virginia , Professor of Medical Education James CHILDRESS wrote the chapter on "Christian ethics, medicine and genetics".)

Chest physician A.J.CRONIN,"The Keys of the Kingdom",Ryerson Press,Toronto,1941. Moral dilemma of a Catholic Missionary Priest. (D.O.SELZNICK bought film rights for $100,000 on publication.)

American Politician Winston CHURCHILL,"The Inside of the Cup",MacMillan,New York,1914. Moral dilemma of an Anglican Priest.(Twenty reprints in two years).

Toronto Star writer Catherine DUNPHY,"Morgentaler-A Difficult Hero",Random house,Toronto,1996. Changes in medical fashion:millionaire Quebec abortionist's rise from prison in 1970 to nomination for the Order of Canada, and 1993 Toronto Winter Garden Theatre 70th. birthday tribute.

The fundamental basis of Whiggism was the Protestant establishment: the supremacy of State over Church. ...Roman Catholicism, a religion based on an international organisation and claiming authority over the State, was inimical to Whiggism." J.Brooke,"King George III", Constable (UK) 1972.

According to Toronto Sun Reporter Tracy McLAUGHLAN (Feb.22 p.29),on April 15 the Discipline committee will begin the PUBLIC trial on a charge of professional misconduct of Barrie Doctor Stephen DAMSON who on the basis of his Christian belief refused to prescribe contraceptive medication to four UNMARRIED female patients.

As yet, their ages,ethnicity,religion and medical history are not known. It is relevant that in Ontario there is no legal minimum age for an independent doctor visit; the test is whether the patient understands the medical process.

The members of the Complaints committee who decided to refer this case to the Discipline committee are  FOUR COUNCIL  MEMBERS: TWO Lt. Governor in Council appointees(NON-ELECTED) : Messrs. J.MARTEL(Co-chair) & R.BRASSARD. ELECTED  District 10 rep. Neurologist O. KOFMAN,(Tor.1923).  & Queen's University rep. Professor of Surgery D. MERCER,(Queen's 1978). FOUR NON-ELECTED NON-COUNCIL MEMBERS  are Queen's Univ.Director,School of Medicine D.WALKER,(Co-chair),& Drs.G.BOND (MD & LLB), CAROL LEET & J.MANDEL (a past College medical inspector).

The issue seems to be: the Ontario Government needs to cut down the cost of unwanted pregnancies and so encourages pharmacological,and physical contraception on demand from the onset of menstruation. Is a Christian Doctor who regards vaginal intercourse outside marriage as sinful, and refuses to prescribe contraceptives to unmarried females, acting against Provincial policy as interpreted by the College Complaints Committee?

Even if found not guilty, doctors are severely punished financially by the discipline process. They receive no compensation for earnings lost through time away from their practice, travelling expenses and subsistence costs in Toronto. Discipline hearings are heard only in Toronto, even though a doctor may practice 700 miles away in Kenora.

Whatever the outcome, the immediate effect is to tell the people of Ontario that the College has decided by its action that a female patient of any age has the right to receive a contraceptive prescription;(no mention was made of contraindications and side-effects).

Ontario Doctors who believe that the Bible is the received Word of God will now have to be prepared to suffer medical martyrdom, practice a specialty (e.g geriatrics) that does not involve reproduction, or move to a religious community within or outside the Province.

Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons
web site:www.cpso.on.ca
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