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“The bill has generated attention and anxiety among physicians and patients. This is regrettable since it is avoidable. From our perspective, the bill is unnecessary,” wrote Molnar.

“There are already protections in place for health care providers. Respecting physicians, the process currently in place under standards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta is appropriate and effective. From this perspective at least, Bill 207 is redundant and potentially confusing.”

As mentioned in Molnar’s letter, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) directs doctors who do not wish to provide services such as abortion, contraception or medical assistance in dying to refer patients to either a member or service that can.

The CPSA said its standard of practice protects patients’ ability to access care while respecting physicians’ conscientious objection.

“If you compare Bill 207 and our standard of practice, you will observe there are differences,” said CPSA spokeswoman Jessica McPhee in a statement. “CPSA will continue to provide feedback to the government review of the bill, ensuring they have the information required to make decisions in the best interest of Albertans.”

A more serious issue the bill raises, Molnar wrote, is there may be unintended consequences in limiting patient access to services.

“For physicians, the current state protects conscience rights, while also ensuring that patients are given information or referral to allow them to pursue access to the desired service. This arrangement has served Albertans well and should be maintained,” wrote Molnar.