Problem
Patients' rights
A 50-year-old man has a 3-month history of chest pain. You feel his symptoms merit cardiac catheterization. You explain the risks and potential benefits to him and include your assessment of his likely prognosis without the intervention. He refuses the life-saving intervention.
I. Can he do that, legally? Should you leave it at that?
Bob has attended the genito-urinary clinic at his local hospital. Bob is seen by Dr. Grace who informs him that he is HIV positive. Dr. Grace counsels Bob to contact his sexual partners to inform them of his status. Bob starts a course of treatment.
For the last 18 months, Bob has been in a relationship with Sammy. They are expecting a baby in 2 months' time. Before this relationship, Bob had a series of sexual partners.
On a subsequent visit to the clinic, it becomes clear to Dr. Grace that Bob has not told Sammy of his HIV status. Dr Grace is aware of the impending arrival of their baby and tells Bob that steps should be taken to assess whether Sammy is HIV positive and whether the baby is at risk so that if necessary treatment may be started.
Bob adamantly refuses to tell Sammy and says that if she is told without his consent then he will stop his course of treatment.
II. What should Dr. Grace do? Can / should he inform Sammy?
Explain according to Eu laws and mention which article is related and also which case we have to refer to.