Two worlds apart: religion and ethics

Journal/Book: J Med Ethics. 1998; 24: Tavistock House East, Tavistock Square, London, England WC1H 9Jr. Prof Sci Publ. 382-384.

Abstract: In a recent article entitled, Requests ''for inappropriate'' treatment based on religious beliefs,(1) Orr and Genesen claim that futile treatment should be provided to patients who request it if their request is based on a religious belief. I claim that this implies that we should also accede to requests for harmful or cost-ineffective treatments based on religious beliefs. This special treatment of religious requests is an example of special pleading on the part of theists and morally objectionable discrimination against atheists. It also provides an excellent illustration of how different the practices of religion and ethics are.

Note: Article Savulescu J, Royal Childrens Hosp, Murdoch Inst, Eth Program, Melbourne, Vic, AUSTRALIA

Keyword(s): religion; discrimination; futility; equality; justice; harm; autonomy; limitation of treatment

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