I agree with you on the vast majority of doctors being in the profession to help humanity. And I agree that that goal can absolutely go awry.
What I’d object to was more this part:
they will feel no real guilt over whatever emotional or psychological manipulation they might use on a pregnant woman to override the evidence-based concerns of a spouse.
That’s simply not true. And I don’t think it’s a natural outcome of believing your job is about helping humanity. I’m assuming, based on this conversation, that you and I had VERY different experiences with the doctors who were involved in the births of our children. And, given that, I think it’s probably reasonable that you feel the way you do. But what you’re describing here:
If a doctor thinks that by telling you something (that might not be real science) he can persuade you to do something he believes will save your child, he’s likely going to do it.
is not how my doctor works. And, no, I don’t think it’s a fair description of what people can expect from doctors, in general. Different people approach the goal of “I am the person here to help you” in very different ways. One person might take it to misrepresenting so they can change your mind and get you do what they think you need to do. Another might, instead, do their best to give you all the information they can and explain to you why they are recommending what they’re recommending, rather than just saying “you need to do this or BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN”.
