A growing number of states is enacting laws to protect the right of health care workers to conscientiously object to perform certain services that are morally opposed to.

A physician attorney argues that the best way to ensure that physicians don't refuse to treat patients is to create a system in which their medical education is fully funded and they must repay a debt to society.

Physicians should not allow their religious beliefs to influence their clinical judgment or the time they spend with patients.

Two legal experts argue that in order for physicians to exercise their right to conscientious objection, they should explain why they are refusing to treat a patient and then refer the patient to another professional for medical treatment.

A physician offers his view that health care practitioners should share their values and faith beliefs with their patients in a way that is non-imposing.

Luc Aston, a resident, tests positive for tuberculosis. Commentary discusses his ethical responsibility to get treatment. Parveen Parmar, MD, writes that Luc has the privilege of being a physician only so long as he protects the health of his patients.

Clinical case examines physicians’ duties and risks during an epidemic. Commentaries address physician’s rights vs patients’ rights. Does the duty to treat always override personal or family concerns?

Clinical case examines physicians’ duties and risks during an epidemic. Commentaries address physician’s rights vs patients’ rights. Does the duty to treat always override personal or family concerns?

Clinical case examines the ethics of using an experimental drug in treating a patient who is dying from a SARS-like virus.

In “Ethics of International Research: What Does Responsiveness Mean?” Christine Grady explains how developing countries are vulnerable to exploitation by researchers and explores what “responsiveness” to the needs of those populations might entail.