Andre Carebonneau
Abstract
Patients who refuse a specific medical treatment for religious reasons must often overcome strongly entrenched presumptions held by physicians and judges, presumptions frequently based on personal values. A case in point is the refusal of blood transfusion therapy by Jehovah’s Witnesses. This paper rests on the following theory: The sanctity of life principle is not necessarily violated by respecting the autonomous decision of a patient who, for religious or moral reasons, chooses one therapy over another that may be favored by the treating physician. Where a patient has decided for conscientious reasons against a certain treatment in any given medical situation, the need to be informed will shift from the patient to the physician. The physician must understand the nature of the religious or moral conviction as well as his own moral and legal obligation to respect the patient’s wishes by providing the best Medical care under the circumstances.
Carebonneau A. (Thesis) Conscientious objectors to a medical treatment: What are the rules [masters thesis]. [Montreal, PQ]: McGill Univesity; 1999 Jul. 122 p.