A study centering on Quebec's medical aid in dying law shows that even though many doctors support it in theory, most cannot bring themselves to provide the service.
La Presse has details about a survey of five dozen doctors working in Laval, where support for medical aid in dying was strong at the time the law was passed 18 months ago.
However, 77% of the doctors surveyed say they have since used the consciencious objector clause to refuse a request, with 59% saying they just could not handle the emotional burden of helping a patient to die.
Religious or moral reasons were cited by less than a quarter of the doctors who refused a patient's request.
The patients pf consciencious objectors were referred to other doctors who had no such qualms.
The researchers say doctors struggling with their own feelings surrounding medical aid in dying need more support.