A growing concern exists about the tensions that may be found between medical professionalism and the concept of conscientious objection, on the part of physicians and other healthcare professionals, regarding healthcare decisions made by patients or their surrogates. This tension reflects the concept of what it means to be a healthcare professional in contrast to one's strongly held personal or religious ethical convictions. The major concerns revolve around issues at the beginning or at the end of life. These issues must be addressed to avoid serious conflicts with those for whom healthcare professionals have a duty to serve.
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