Blame and Amputation: Uncovering Preconceptions and Addressing Physicians’ Scepticism
摘要
This chapter breaks down the instinctual rejection of amputation requests displayed by surgeons during the fieldwork phase. The physician demonstrates an evident scepticism on the legitimacy of such demands, which presupposes assumptions of potential patients’ inner coercion due to the amputation desire or even hidden intent from the patient’s side to deceive the physician. A central issue is whether pursuing amputation through official medical channels reflects genuine medical needs or stems from other motivations. Through interviews and fieldwork, the chapter reveals that many physicians see BID patients as potentially seeking amputation for personal satisfaction rather than true medical relief, which raises ethical concerns. However, another perspective is also considered: some BID patients might lack knowledge about alternative treatments due to limited access to information or social stigma. This dual view—where blame could stem from either questionable intentions or simple unawareness—adds complexity to the moral discussion. The chapter closes with a thought-provoking suggestion: in situations where options are limited, self-amputation might be the commendable moral choice for the BID individual.