The duty of a doctor to heal is derived from the law, particularly the Constitution and the Code of Ethics, and takes precedence over any other obligation, faculty, or right. This duty includes not being required to report a patient if doing so would expose them to criminal proceedings, as stated in Article 365 of the Penal Code. Filippo Anelli, president of the National Federation of Orders of Doctors and Dentists, responded to Minister Roccella’s remarks about reporting suspected cases of surrogacy, stating that doctors should not obstruct justice but also should not jeopardize the doctor-patient relationship by putting their health at risk.
The recent law making surrogacy a universal crime prompted the debate on whether public officials, including doctors, should report cases of suspected surrogacy. According to Anelli, doctors should prioritize the health and well-being of their patients and should not act in a way that compromises the doctor-patient relationship. While doctors are not exempt from following the law, they should also consider the impact of their actions on patient care and not put them at risk by reporting them to authorities.
The duty of a doctor to heal is a fundamental aspect of their profession, and it is enshrined in the Constitution and the Code of Ethics. This duty includes not reporting a patient if doing so would harm the doctor-patient relationship or put the patient’s health at risk. Anelli emphasized that while doctors should not obstruct justice, their primary responsibility is to the well-being of their patients and ensuring they receive proper care and treatment.
The debate over reporting suspected cases of surrogacy highlights the ethical and legal obligations of doctors as public officials. While doctors are bound by the law to report certain crimes, there are exceptions when reporting could harm the doctor-patient relationship or the health of the patient. Anelli’s response to Minister Roccella’s comments underscores the importance of balancing legal requirements with ethical considerations in the practice of medicine.
In conclusion, the duty of a doctor to heal is a core principle of the medical profession and is protected by the law and the Code of Ethics. Doctors have a responsibility to prioritize the health and well-being of their patients and should not take actions that may jeopardize the doctor-patient relationship. While doctors are not exempt from following the law, they must consider the impact of their actions on patient care and act in the best interests of their patients. Anelli’s remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of balancing legal requirements with ethical considerations in the practice of medicine.
