Dr. Terence Davids has promised not to speak about abortion or religion to patients in a clinic setting going forward.
A Saskatoon doctor who allegedly counselled a patient against abortion and asked about her religious beliefs has promised to do neither of those things again in a clinic setting.
The professional body that licenses and oversees doctors in the province alleged Davids crossed the line with comments to a patient who was undergoing a preoperative assessment for a termination of her pregnancy in December 2023.
The charge was not admitted to or proven at a hearing, but rather dealt with through what the CPSS terms “post-charge alternative dispute resolution.” The outcome date for the charge listed on the CPSS website is June 18.
Davids signed what’s called an undertaking, dated May 13, which is effectively a document outlining a series of promises made by the doctor.
In it, he accepts that if a similar situation should arise within two years of the undertaking being accepted, the CPSS may choose to revisit his case.
He has also agreed to complete courses in ethics and communication.
“I hereby undertake and agree that I will not discuss abortion with any patient in a clinic setting,” reads one part of the undertaking reads. “If a patient presents with a medical issue related to abortion, I will immediately refer the patient to another physician within the clinic in which I work without discussing the potential abortion with the patient.”
Another part reads: “I hereby undertake and agree that I will not engage in any discussions with any patient in a clinic setting in which I say anything about religious principles.”
The undertaking is to remain in force for as long as Davids is licensed in Saskatchewan. Breaching it could result in another professional charge.
The initial charge alleged that, in discussion with the patient, Davids made one or more of the following statements, or used words to a similar effect:
“I hope you have loved ones in heaven who will take care of your baby in heaven.”
“I don’t think you should go through with this.”
“I think you should reconsider.”
“You will regret this and you can’t take it back.”
Further, it was alleged he asked the patient whether she believed in “our lord and savior.”
The documents stated that this alleged conduct ran afoul of one or more of the rules, bylaws and policies that govern Saskatchewan physicians, including the CPSS policy entitled “Conscientious Objection.”
That policy is very clear that physicians are entitled to act on “deeply held and considered moral or religious beliefs,” described within the policy as “freedom of conscience.”
However, it goes on to outline what a doctor should do if their freedom of conscience comes into conflict with their professional obligations.
Essentially, a doctor can decline to provide “legally permissible and publicly-funded health services,” but must make arrangements for the patient to receive information and access to the services.
Additionally, a section of the policy states doctors “must not promote their own moral or religious beliefs when interacting with a patient.”
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