dr. manuela valle-castro, the college of medicine’s director of social accountability, said she consulted with college officials after mcguin’s group filed its complaint. she said she supported ending the placements, agreeing with mcguin’s assessment that “post-abortion stress” is a fabricated condition promoted by groups opposed to abortion.
“i was completely clear about how partnering with this organization was a breach,” valle-castro said. “from a gender equity perspective, it’s harmful,” she added.
mcguin said she also views the placements as the college giving a tacit endorsement to spoc.
“we don’t think it is right for an institution who is training the future physicians of saskatchewan and of canada to be partnering with this organization that teaches people that it’s ok to persuade a pregnant woman to do what we want her to do.”
the complaint, filed in october, first led to a letter from the college this week announcing that the placements would continue. mcguin said she believes criticism of that decision from students, alumni, faculty and the public prompted the reopening of the file.
a college of medicine spokesperson confirmed the relationship with spoc is under review again. a written statement from dean preston smith claimed the placements aren’t an endorsement but “offer a means of learning from and about people/patients with varied perspectives and beliefs.” he added that students choose where they go, and can request reassignment if they have concerns after being placed.