is it ethical for docs to refuse to treat smokers?

[hlthe2b]

12. I would find that unethical--it is an addiction after all. I would hope all would continue to try

to help with cessation. There is no one cure-all for all. That said, there are certain procedures that are not considered safe to perform if smoking continues or cannot at least be halted for a time for both the procedure and healing period. I don't know if that is an issue, but surgical procedures often fall into that category... But those situation can potentially be addressed with at least short term cessation.

That said, I feel differently about pediatricians who refuse to treat the children of parents who refuse vaccination--after going to extremes to educate, reassure, and bring others in to counsel the parents in multiple ways. Afterwards, to continue to refuse is a choice to be willfully ignorant and pose a threat not only to the child but every other child at their school, daycare, and in the pediatricians' own waiting room. Now, THAT, I do agree with.