Two Models of Approaching the Goals of Medicine: The Dilemma that Sparks Different Perspectives in Conscientious Objection.

The World Medical Association (WMA) has released the International Code of Medical Ethics, which outlines the responsibilities of physicians. The code addresses conscientious objection and states that doctors can only object to medical interventions if the patient is not harmed or discriminated against. However, some argue that the code undermines the right of doctors to abstain from procedures that conflict with their moral beliefs. There are two perspectives on the purpose of medicine: the service-provider model, which prioritizes patient autonomy, and the goal-directed model, which considers the goods of health and healing. The goal-directed model emphasizes the importance of discerning and pursuing the goods of health and healing in medical practice, recognizing the autonomy of physicians in making ethical decisions. It advocates for the cultivation of virtues and the preservation of professional discretion to provide effective healthcare. [Extracted from the article]