The Future Health Leaders of America (FHLA) Club was the host to a medical debate on March 6 where members discussed the morality of surgery without consent.

The intention of the event was to have a productive conversation where members got a grasp of real life situations they may have to face in the healthcare field.

The case dealt with a woman who had a life-threatening disease and her only hope of surviving was to have surgery. However, she was unwilling to go through with it, as she was concerned about the scar it would leave. Doctors tried explaining to her the urgency of the situation, but she was not mentally stable and refused to agree to it. 

One side of the debate argued that legally, doctors could not do anything and must respect her choice despite the inevitable outcome. The other side claimed that morality should take precedence over legality, as a woman’s life was at stake and her mental stability was unsteady. They believed that the doctors should go through with the surgery and save her life. 

The side that supported legality explained that the scar might not have been the only reason for her refusal of the surgery and that it is her life. They believe she should decide her fate, whatever it may be. They also stated that this could lead to legal ramifications, such as lawsuits against both the hospital and the doctors. It is also unethical, as it may cause distress to the patient and their loved ones. Other factors could have been involved for not wanting the surgery, such as financial struggles. 

The side that supported morality argued that a doctor’s job is to save people’s lives and this surgery is imperative. They also brought up the fact that the woman was not mentally stable and although she was not declared senile, she was not in the right state of mind to make such an important decision. 

Both sides of this medical debate brought up substantial arguments and explained their thoughts and ideas thoroughly. Ultimately, the judges of the debate decided that it was a tie. The final question is a debate between morality and legality.