Two academic ethicists say the pandemic has heightened the importance of the latest parliamentary attempt to give conscience rights to Canadian doctors. Conservative MP Kelly Block introduced Bill C-230, the Protection of Freedom of Conscience Act, as a private member’s bill in the House of Commons on Feb. 4. The bill would add a clause to Section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to say: “Every person who, for the purpose of compelling a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, pharmacist or other health care professional to take part, directly or indirectly, in the provision of medical assistance in dying, uses coercion or any other form of intimidation is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.” An additional clause gives similar legal sanctions to anyone “who refuses to employ, or dismisses from their employment” medical professionals who decline to provide or participate in the provision of medical assistance in dying. Douglas Farrow, …