OTTAWA, June 17, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is pleased that historic federal legislation on medical aid in dying is now in place.
For the CMA, this important new law represents the culmination of years of work and consultation with physicians and the public. This extensive outreach informed our call for robust federal legislation to ensure access is not impeded, protects vulnerable patients and respects the personal convictions of health care providers.
As always, the care of our patients is paramount, so in the coming days the CMA will have educational offerings available to help physicians understand and respond appropriately to the end-of-life care wishes of their patients. The CMA is also committed to continued study of this new legislation and its impact on patients.
While today represents a major milestone in Canada's history, we must also remember that our nation has much work to do to improve access to palliative care for all Canadians who need it, no matter where they live. It is the CMA's hope that we can renew our focus on this critical issue and Canada's doctors pledge to do all we can to ensure that happens.
Dr. Cindy Forbes,
CMA President
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, the CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 83,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 60 national medical organizations. CMA's mission is helping physicians care for patients. The CMA will be the leader in engaging and serving physicians and be the national voice for the highest standards for health and health care.
SOURCE Canadian Medical Association
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