Should a doctor be allowed to deny surgery if someone doesn't quit smoking. The following article is about a surgeon in Timmons Ontario, the only Lung specialist they have, who is refusing to operate on anyone who doesn't quit smoking. What is you opinion on this?
Should surgeons be allowed to shut patients out of operating rooms if they smoke?
It’s a complicated issue that recently came to light when a surgeon in Timmins became frustrated with patients who wouldn’t kick the habit, and refused to operate on them.
And some people strongly disagree with those actions. “I don't think he should be allowed [to refuse surgery],†said Louie Barkhouse. “He's paid by the Ontario government and the Ontario government collected money on the [cigarettes]. I don't agree with it.â€
“I think it's unfair for somebody to not perform surgery…†stated Jodie Andrews.
But the College of Physicians and Surgeons, which oversees Ontario’s medical matters, says other doctors in the province do have the right to take the same sort of stand.
The debate has ethicists up in arms, saying the move to refuse to operate on those who haven’t quit smoking is unfair. They argue that lighting up is an addiction, and some aren’t able to butt out. And focusing on smokers is discriminatory they claim, because other factors such as eating fatty foods also impact diseases including heart problems and diabetes.
Should surgeons be allowed to shut patients out of operating rooms if they smoke?
It’s a complicated issue that recently came to light when a surgeon in Timmins became frustrated with patients who wouldn’t kick the habit, and refused to operate on them.
And some people strongly disagree with those actions. “I don't think he should be allowed [to refuse surgery],†said Louie Barkhouse. “He's paid by the Ontario government and the Ontario government collected money on the [cigarettes]. I don't agree with it.â€
“I think it's unfair for somebody to not perform surgery…†stated Jodie Andrews.
But the College of Physicians and Surgeons, which oversees Ontario’s medical matters, says other doctors in the province do have the right to take the same sort of stand.
The debate has ethicists up in arms, saying the move to refuse to operate on those who haven’t quit smoking is unfair. They argue that lighting up is an addiction, and some aren’t able to butt out. And focusing on smokers is discriminatory they claim, because other factors such as eating fatty foods also impact diseases including heart problems and diabetes.
