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(News) New abortion policy approved for CMA despite some vocal opposition

Patrick Sullivan

Canadian Medical Association Journal, CMAJ — Canadian Medical Association Journal

Extract
The approximately 230 General Council members took just over an hour to approve the proposed policy in toto, despite strenuous objections from some doctors. . . .Dr. David Knickle, a Charlottetown obstetrician who raised the loudest voice against the new policy, countered that it “simply is carte blanche abortion on demand”. However, his motion that the association “state its op- position to nontherapeutic abortions” received almost no support. . . . Dr. William MacDiarmid of Winnipeg, a member of the CMA’s Committee on Ethics, spoke against the Knickle motion, arguing that because the CMA is a reflection of society, it has to avoid taking an extreme position. “Many of us are in the middle”, he said.

Sullivan P. New abortion policy approved for CMA despite some vocal opposition. Can Med Assoc J. 1988;139(6):542-544.

(Correspondence) Mr. Sullivan replies

Patrick Sullivan

Extract
It was Dr. Robbie Mahood who suggested that physicians have a duty to speak out on abortion and other health care issues. I merely reported his comments. On the lack of response by pro-choice physicians to the Supreme Court decision, I was making a statement of fact. . . .

Sullivan P. (Correspondence) Mr. Sullivan replies. Can Med Assoc J. 1988;138(12):1088. Available from:

(News) Dr. Robbie Mahood: Pro-choice physician says doctors have a duty to speak out

Patrick Sullivan

Extract
While physicians opposed to abortion have responded with articles . . . most doctors from the pro-choice side have remained quiet. Dr. Robbie Mahood is an exception. . . . “I certainly don’t support abortion as a method of birth control”. Has the abortion issue creat- ed divisions in the medical profession? “Certainly there is disagreement within the profession about this, but this probably reflects the division within the general population”, Mahood said. “I would guess that there is a pro-choice majority [among physicians].”

Sullivan P. Dr. Robbie Mahood: Pro-choice physician says doctors have a duty to speak out. Can Med Assoc J. 1988;138(8):734. Available from:

(News) Canadian obstetric care system among finest in world, major CMA study finds

Patrick Sullivan

Extract
Canada’s standard of obstetric care is excellent, and although some improvements can be made, they can be carried out within the existing system. That is the main finding from a major CMA study on obstetric care, the first of its kind in Canada, which has been sent to association members with this issue of CMAJ. . . . There is no reason for Canada to introduce a midwifery system since there is neither a calculable need nor a significant demand, the CMA has concluded.

Sullivan P. Canadian obstetric care system among finest in world, major CMA study finds. Can Med Assoc J. 1987;136(6):643, 646, 648-649.