Alcoholics DO get liver transplants.

[ShazzieB]

3. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this!

I am so, so, so tired of the posts you're talking about. Every time I read one, I think about replying but usually don't, at least not any more. I used to, sometimes, but I just don't have the energy to fight this battle over and over again. So I let the posts about how antivaxxers shouldn't be allowed in hospitals, doctors should just refuse to treat them, etc. go by. Even though I know enough about medical ethics to know that most health care professionals would be appalled by such suggestions, posting, "No! That's not how any of this works!" every time I see a post like that feels like an exercise in futility. Also, I understand and share the frustration that spawns those comments.

Reading this post makes me realize how important it is to speak out when I feel strongly about something. This line from the abstract really stands out for me: "Moreover, it has never been considered ethical for clinicians to refuse treatment to patients for diseases that are partly or wholly preventable." This is absolutely true, and it's an insult to these dedicated professionals, imo, to even jokingly encourage them to abandon the ethics of their calling.