Canadian Medical Association Backs Criminal Code Amendment to Strengthen Informed Consent
Event summary
- Bill S-228, amending the Criminal Code on sterilization procedures, passed in Parliament on June 8, 2026.
- CMA supports the bill as part of its reconciliation efforts with Indigenous Peoples, following an apology for past harms including forced sterilizations.
- Informed consent remains a core value for CMA, emphasizing patient autonomy in medical decisions.
- CMA credits Senator Yvonne Boyer and the Survivor's Circle for Reproductive Justice for advancing the legislation.
The big picture
The passage of Bill S-228 reflects growing regulatory scrutiny over patient rights and medical ethics, particularly concerning Indigenous communities. The CMA's support aligns with broader industry shifts toward transparency and consent-driven healthcare, marking a strategic pivot in governance and reconciliation efforts. The bill's implementation will test the CMA's ability to balance legal requirements with practical medical delivery.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Compliance
- How the CMA will operationalize the new legislation in medical practices across Canada.
- Reconciliation Progress
- Whether the CMA's partnership with Indigenous Peoples will yield further policy or procedural changes.
- Patient Advocacy
- The pace at which other medical associations adopt similar consent protections.