Measure of freedom and responsibility of а doctor and a priest in the treatment of HIV-infected patients

Kadyshev Аlexey

The article discusses the ethical problems that doctors face in their work with HIV-infected patients. A special place is occupied by the problem of human freedom and responsibility. It is indicated that despite the fact that the freedom of the doctor is ensured by his moral principles, to which his work is subject, at the same time it is limited by numerous circumstances and regulations, among which the principle of informed consent for any medical intervention or examination occupies a special place. Refusal of examinations is very common precisely in risk groups. The problems of speedophobia and the reasons for its occurrence, as well as the sources of the conflict between the two principles of medical ethics are examined: the human right to keep his diagnosis secret and the doctor’s duty to warn other people about the danger of being infected from this person. The article shows how to overcome the difficulties encountered by doctors of a similar nature. It is alleged that they are in close cooperation with the Church, which for thousands of years has successfully solved the numerous problems of treating the sick and comforting the afflicted. Having in its arsenal of only one inherent methods for the care of patients and the healing of their souls, the Church may turn out to be the missing link between the doctor and HIV-infected patients, thereby becoming a natural partner of the doctor.

Keywords:freedom; medical and ethical problems; HIV-infected; speedophobia; Church, as a public institution