Mr. Speaker, I brought this matter to the attention of the department as soon as I heard about it. The department then began looking into it so I would have some answers on Tuesday, and I did. I responded as soon as I was informed of this matter through the media. The department then ascertained certain information for me and because, as I said earlier on, I cannot tell a doctor what to do and how to perform a particular type of procedure, I wanted the Stanton board to assure the public that their safety would be protected. That is why a few moments ago I advised the House that the doctors themselves have taken on the responsibility to ensure that patients now, any patient who goes in for an abortion or a procedure similar to that, a D and C, would have control over the amount of additional pain medication that they would receive through a self-administered, rapid-acting inhalant. I have been informed that this is fast-acting, and it will produce a pain suppressing reaction. I think this is all I can assure the House; that women seeking procedures of this nature will themselves be in control of fast acting medication that will relieve a certain amount of discomfort.
Tony Whitford on Question O442-12(2): Directive From Minister For Doctors To Relieve Pain
In the Legislative Assembly on March 30th, 1992. See this statement in context.
Return To Question O442-12(2): Directive From Minister For Doctors To Relieve Pain
Question O442-12(2): Directive From Minister For Doctors To Relieve Pain
Item 5: Oral Questions
March 29th, 1992
Page 510
See context to find out what was said next.