The refusal of medical care, where patients with chronic illnesses choose not to follow recommended treatments (for example, during COVID-19), has sparked some really heated debates.
Some view it as an individual right to autonomy and personal choice, while others highlight the risks to public health, the possibility of preventable complications, and increased healthcare costs. This topic raises important ethical and practical questions about balancing personal freedom and collective responsibility.
Have you ever refused treatment or care recommended for your chronic illness? If so, what were your reasons? How do you see the balance between a patient's right to refuse treatment and their responsibility to their own health and society as a whole?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts below!
Take care and have a great day, Somya from the Carenity team 🌼
When I had COVID in April 2023 I took treatment that was available to me as the thought of not having it could have made my illness worse.
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Geraldine
Refusing treatment: an individual right or a public health risk?https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/good-to-know/refusing-treatment-an-individual-right-or-a-public-health-risk-54062024-09-29 15:58:06
Somya.P
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Somya.P
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Last activity on 13/06/2025 at 18:11
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Hello everyone,
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The refusal of medical care, where patients with chronic illnesses choose not to follow recommended treatments (for example, during COVID-19), has sparked some really heated debates.
Some view it as an individual right to autonomy and personal choice, while others highlight the risks to public health, the possibility of preventable complications, and increased healthcare costs. This topic raises important ethical and practical questions about balancing personal freedom and collective responsibility.
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Have you ever refused treatment or care recommended for your chronic illness? If so, what were your reasons? How do you see the balance between a patient's right to refuse treatment and their responsibility to their own health and society as a whole?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts below!
Take care and have a great day,
Somya from the Carenity team 🌼