MoAlpha

This is often considered in the context of refusal to buy health insurance, risky behaviors, etc. Aside from the widespread social consensus that we offer medical assistance to those in need and ask questions afterward, there is unanimous agreement among ethicists that it cannot be done. In the context of an infectious disease, it also puts the society at greater risk.

There are, however, limits. My first encounter with them was when I was a neurology resident and the cardiac surgeons turned down my heroin addict stroke patient for his third valve replacement, necessitated by his ongoing use of dirty needles. They were right, of course, there being plenty of other indigent patients in need of their services, but it still came as a shock to me and my patient.