FEAR-BASED CARE: HOW LITIGATION RISK ERODES COMPASSION IN MODERN MEDICINE
Formerly Published in Vol. 13 No. 1 Jul. - Dec., 2025
Abstract
The practice of medicine, once a noble profession driven by compassion and empathy, is increasingly being shaped by fear. Defensive medicine, a response to the looming threat of litigation, has become a pervasive force, eroding the very fabric of patient care. As doctors increasingly prioritize protecting themselves over understanding their patients, the consequences are profound: unnecessary tests, overtreatment, and a widening chasm between caregivers and those they serve.1
Fear-based care is not just a theoretical concern. Studies have shown that physicians in high-litigation environments are more likely to order unnecessary imaging and procedures, exposing patients to harm and driving up healthcare costs.2 This trend is particularly alarming in specialties like obstetrics, where the risk of litigation has led to a surge in cesarean sections, often without clear medical indication.3 The impact on patient outcomes is stark: increased morbidity, compromised trust, and a healthcare system that prioritizes self-protection over people.
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References
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