Risk and obligation: health professionals and the risk of AIDS

Abstract

This essay deals with the question of risk-taking by physicians and other health professionals when confronted with AIDS patients. The duty to take risks, and consequently to treat patients who have AIDS, is examined (a) from a historical perspective; (b) by considering fear and courage in the medical setting; (c) by considering views of community, justice, and the social contract; and (d) in light of notions of professionalism and obligation. It is concluded that health professionals have a historically grounded obligation to assume "reasonable" risks in dealing with such patients, that "reasonable" is defined by the community, and that this modifiable obligation emerges from views of community, justice, and professionalism.