Opinion
Ethics code inconsistent concerning executions and abortions
LETTER — Posted Feb. 28, 2005
Regarding "Ethics charges related to executions dropped" (Article, Jan. 31): I continue to read with interest articles referencing the AMA Code of Ethics and specifically its prohibition against physician involvement in executions.
My interest stems from the illogic of the prohibition against our helping infrequently to take the life of a criminal when we approve of our active work to take the life of an innocent infant in the ritual of abortion. Both are, of course, legal, but the condemned has had his day(s) in court, with many people deciding his fate. The infant has had no such protection, and only one person dictates the death sentence.
When do we revise our code to prohibit physician involvement in these infant executions as well?
Joseph Zanga, MD, Greenville, N.C.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/02/28/edlt0228.htm.