The intersection of faith and medical care can be a touchy subject, and one being debated on several fronts this week.
National Public Radio, the American radio equivalent to PBS television, asked two ethicists to debate the rights of doctors to refuse to provide treatment to patients that violate their personal religious beliefs. The debate there was sparked by a California court decision that said doctors cannot deny service. US President George Bush says he will protect such doctors.
In Canada, the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons will debate the issue on Thursday. The Ontario Medical Association is fighting any restrictions.
On the other side of the coin, a Toronto mother and father are charged after refusing medical care for their malnourished baby, saying their religion favours homeopathic treatments.
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