In a detailed exploration of the tension within Canadian Catholic hospitals, the article addresses the clash between religious convictions and the provision of comprehensive healthcare services. Susan Camm, a clinical manager at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, reacted viscerally to the presence of a crucifix in a modern hospital setting, illustrating the cultural and religious conflicts that can arise in spaces meant to serve a diverse population. The article delves into the limitations imposed by Catholic doctrine on services like reproductive health, fertility treatments, care for LGBTQ2+ patients, and medically assisted death (MAID), which conflict with the expectations of a publicly funded healthcare system that pledges universal access.

By: Wendy Glauser