Dutch female patients have right to refuse treatment by male doctors

BRUSSELS, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Female patients have the right to refuse treatment by a male doctor except during emergency situations, according to a new guideline from the Dutch medical association, the KNMG.
The guideline was drawn up following an incident in a hospital last summer, Dutch media reported Wednesday. In that case a pregnant Muslim woman and her husband refused treatment by the male gynecologist on duty. The woman was then referred to another hospital.
The medical association said hospitals should do their best to accommodate the wishes of patients. Only in emergencies should female patients waive the right to demand a female doctor.
The new guideline has sparked controversy in medical circles with many doctors complaining that the association has gone too far in meeting the demands of Muslims.