The regulatory body for doctors in the Canadian province of Ontario has retreated from a policy of low tolerance for conscientious objection and non-referral. A draft policy for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario advised doctors that they could expect to be deregistered if they appeared to discriminate in the judgement of the Ontario Human Rights Commission. "There will be times when it may be necessary for physicians to set aside their personal beliefs in order to ensure that patients or potential patients are provided with the medical treatment and services they require," they stated.

Furthermore, doctors could not rely upon support from the College if they refused to provide services such as IVF for same-sex couples, contraceptives or abortion or refused to refer patients to other doctors. "Irrespective of whether a physician’s actions are found to have violated the Code, the physician’s conduct could constitute an act of professional misconduct," the draft said.

The draft code was opposed by religious groups and by the Ontario Medical Association. "Referring is just a way of sloughing off your responsibility," Rabbi Reuven Bulka commented. "If you're opposed to these things, referring is the same as taking part in the evil." ~ National Post, Sept 17