Question
Can my doctor force me to take treatment if I don't want it?
21 January 2011. Related: Adherence, All topics, Changing treatment, Side effects, Support.
Hi thanks for all your answers to a great deal of my worries and concerns. I have a question for you:
Do I have the right to refuse treatment and if so what if anything can be done to stop me or is there a legal requirement by my HIV doctor to report that I have stopped attending clinic and am no longer on treatment thanks
Answer
Thank you for your question.
No-one can force you to take treatment. However, if you do stop treatment having started it you will become very sick very quickly and you will die. If your doctor is worried that you are making this decision because you are ‘not of sound mind’ or if they feel you are putting others at risk of infection, particularly if you get resistance to treatment having stopped taking the meds, then there may be a chance they could try to intervene.
Having said that, it is your choice to take treatment, or not to take it as the case may be. If you have valid reasons why you do not want to take it and you fully understand the consequences then your doctor cannot legally force you to take it.
What is it about the treatment that makes you want to stop it? Are you experiencing any side effects? Are you finding it hard to adhere to taking the meds every day? If you would like any information on treatment side effects, alternative treatments which may have less side effects or tips on how to take your meds then please do contact us again and I can send you any information you need. Alternatively if you are having trouble with your meds you can call the free i-Base Treatment Information Phoneline Mon-Wed 12-4pm for confidential information and support.
Hi Steven, thanks – I am sorry you are not happy with your care. Without more details it is difficult to comment on the situation or how they may have been trying to help. Perhaps see if you can speak to a different doctor or to talk to a health adviser about how you feel. Stopping your meds won’t make the service any better but it would be a serious risk to you health.
Hi, I’ve been on treatment for year’s and am sick to death of the infantilisation used by professionals. What gives them the rite to talk to an adult that way? I am a responsible person I am familiar with cause & effect but apparently they feel it their rite to recite usual explanation. Thinking seriously of ending my treatment due to policy used at every appointment.. I have been made to feel like an idiot.