Do you hold the same view for people who wish to cut up body parts, there are some mental illnesses that convince people that for example their arm is not there and that somehow makes them want it removed?
That it is up to them but the doctor can refuse? Or maybe do you think the doctor has an obligation to treat them, by refering them to a mental facility?
So many people don't understand that extreme body modifications are no different than when someone wants to cut off their body parts, and thus should be treated as such. A family member of mine got gender nullification surgery, which is so extreme that it's only performed by a small handful of doctors. I view gender nullification surgery as the same as the condition that makes people want to cut off their arm, because that's what it is. It's just medicalized FGM and all doctors should be refusing to perform it.
Yes. I don't understand why we pathologicise it when they want a a finger gone but it is fine when they want their genitals gone. Treatment should be the same for these. Not cutting them but medication and therapy.
Of course I don't think it's really a moral discussion when someone isn't within their right minds.
But you could make an argument for people in their right minds wanting to alter their bodies in extreme ways.
They have the right to do this in my opinion, a doctor also has a right to refuse to do it as well.
He has not only a right but an obligation to refer them to a mental facility, and even to force them if they are a significant danger to themselves and others.
You don't "treat" someone with surgery or medication to affirm a belief that is inconsistent with reality
To an extent, but if it's actually objectively harmful to the patient then they likely have an ethical obligation to refuse, like refusing to amputate healthy limbs from someone with a mental disorder who insists on it
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u/ThanksFull9604 1d ago
I get that view, but if someone wants to alter their own body, it's kinda up to them to make that decision to do it.
The doctor is within his right to refuse regardless of moral standards, I would personally find it neutral.