Opinion

Allow compassionate and ethical involvement by doctors in executions

LETTER — Posted Sept. 3, 2007

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Regarding "CEJA: Ethics code does not allow physician participation in an execution" (Letters, Aug. 6): Mark Levine, MD, chair of the AMA Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs, wrote that the AMA's Code of Medical Ethics has, for nearly three decades, held that physician participation in capital punishment is unethical.

After nearly 30 years, it's time to reverse the code guidelines.

I support Robert J. Cain, MD, of Starkville, Miss., and his contention that physician involvement in capital punishment is acceptable and should be rendered when necessary. The criminal who has violated the laws and mores of our society and has been found deserving of the ultimate punishment has, in essence, killed himself as a result of his actions, without any assistance from the physician who might place an IV.

To justify and strengthen the public trust in our profession, I call on all members of the AMA to lobby for change in the AMA Code of Medical Ethics to allow compassionate and ethical involvement in executions. There are times when the betterment of our world involves the removal of detrimental individuals. Certainly, physicians should support improvement in the quality of life.

Stacey M. Fink, MD, PhD, Lititz, Pa.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/09/03/edlt0903.htm.

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