Abstract
Freedom is for everyone an exceptionally important value. Therefore, even in the situation of disease it is necessary to respect the expression of free will on whether and to what extent a person wishes to be treated.
Codified way to do this is through informed consent. Notwithstanding it is necessary to carefully consider whether every such consent is really fully informed, this contribution is focused on justified "relativization" of freedom or autonomy of the patient.
In case that the patient refuses treatment which would undoubtedly help him or her and even lead to full recovery, such a manifestation of free will may be seen as one of the symptoms of the disease. The relationship between refusal of therapy and desire to depart from life is a dominant feature in patients with eating disorders.
In particular cases, interventions resulting from traditional and respected value of protection of life are appropriate. How much "scope" should be given to free will and how much to the protection of the patient's health, in case these values are in conflict, depends not only on professional judgment, but also on a broad social consensus.
Laws (legislation), to which we adhere, constitute the minimum, not the maximum of morality, and what laws we will abide to in practical medicine depends on values we prioritize.