[Jim Noble]

the doctor/patient relationship has an almost sacred character, and that it is important for both doctors and patients when - in a relationship that is ongoing, as would be a relationship between a pediatrician and the child's parents - that they share the same basic values, the same moral understandings, and even a common worldview

I think that is completely and totally wrong.

Do you think doctors should refuse to treat smokers?

Now, there is a little bit of truth in the "worldview" part - if a person with an infection doesn't believe in germs, for example.

But if I didn't treat anyone who didn't share my basic values and worldview, I'd be out of business, and if you post here frequently, so would you.

[daniel1212]

Do you think doctors should refuse to treat smokers?

Indeed, IF "treatment" was a matter of a program of pursuing a program of holistic health and they insisted chain smoking is good and healthy, or that being obese was, etc. , while the doctor held strong convictions otherwise.

But not as denying needed actually treatment.

For as with other analogies the objectors use, this one does not fit, as no actual treatment was denied, and instead examination was simply transferred to another doctor with no delay, in the interest of providing the best care (read letter above).

Thus you need to find another analogy. ,. the while - but not . Likewise those who think homosexual relations are, and