Currently there is a great deal of discussion surrounding whether or not the health of presidential candidates should be taken into consideration. Some feel that the state of a potential leader’s health is information that the public can and should examine and take into consideration when voting.

The major argument for this is, of course, the possibility that a candidate’s health may affect their ability to lead. Many believe physical, mental, and emotional health are all factors that have an influence on the decisions made an actions taken by a president.

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The big problem is that an individual’s health is their own business. One could go as far as to say health information is completely private information, hence that little thing we like to call physician-patient confidentiality.

When applying for any other job aside from commander-in-chief, it is likely a person would feel violated if asked to disclose their medical history. It is generally considered unfair and unjust to judge a person, in any way, based on the state of their health, or any particular health conditions they may have. I mean, you even have the option to not disclose whether or not you have a disability on applications.

A person’s health has some effect on their thoughts, decisions, and actions, in and out of the workplace. But the question still remains. Considering we are constantly fighting for the privacy of others, is it best for health information to remain personal and private, for the president of our country and for everyone?