Question

Dr. Baxter and Dr. Larson claim that they have a moral obligation to deliver care. Further, Dr. Baxter asserts that the patient has a moral responsibility to accept care. Offer the best possible argument for this view. Do you find it convincing? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Answer: Just like the Doctors, the patients also have some moral duties. For the good health and the well being of the patients, it is important that a collaborative relationship exists between the physicians and the patients.   But just like the physician do not have an ethical and moral duty to accept all patients similarly the patients also do not have a moral obligation to accept all kinds of care. The patients have a right to refuse treatment or care if he finds something not as per his wishes or needs then he can deny a care or a treatment. The decision to accept or deny treatment is a right of the patient and not his moral obligation. Hence a patient may accept or deny any type of care and treatment if he or she finds its unfit without violating any moral obligation.