I just read an article that said doctors cannot be asked to participate in executions of death row inmates because the Hippocratic oath states they must "first do no harm." Is this true?
If so, let me get this straight. They can perform abortions all the way up until all but the baby's head has been delivered. The baby's only crime was being unwanted.
They can pull the plug on a woman who made no clear request to be removed from life support prior to being incapacitated. The woman's only crime was becoming incapacitated.
They can destroy human lives in the form of embryos for the wing-and-a-prayer hope that it might someday cure something. The embryo's only crime was being created in a lab.
But they can't help execute convicted rapist, murderer, etc. even after he or she has exhausted 10 years worth of appeals because they must "first do no harm?" What's wrong with this picture?
2006-06-13 03:43:04 · 9 answers · asked by ACDixon 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
I did read that they have to be present to declare the person dead, but they can't assist with the injection.
2006-06-13 03:48:18 · update #1
FYI, don.giovanni, my opinion is based on thinking with "my own little brain," not the opinion of Dr. Falwell (although I happen to have come to the same conclusion he has on this), I don't have a priest, and I don't believe the issue of abortion is much more complicated than I have stated. You assume way too much about me.
2006-06-13 03:56:46 · update #2
Executioners (the ones who administers putting in the IV's, etc) are usually prison personnel, or community related field such as paramedics, whom do not take the Hippocratic oath. A coroner can pronounce the inmate dead. It varies from state to state.
2006-06-13 04:58:30 · answer #1 · answered by DollyLama 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Your view of the medical community is quite narrow, but I'll try to help...
1. Very few OB/GYN's in the United States perform partial birth abortions. The number performed is quite small, and they are usually performed for medical reasons. Why would someone wait so late to abort a child they didn't want? In fact, most physicians don't perform any type of abortion.
2. Doctors cannot "pull the plug" on the "incapacitated" without the prior consent of the patient, or the consent of the family/health care power of attorney. In very rare cases, courts are also involved. They can discontinue life support measures on patients who are brain dead. A diagnosis of brain death requires medical testing. Brain death is irreversible. This is not to be confused with "vegetative states."
3. In response to the stem cell concerns, this research is typically directed by Ph.D.'s (as well as MD's). Most research does not involve the creation of embryos in the lab, and therapies are not that far away. I hope that you and your family never have cancer, Alzheimer's disease, muscular dystrophy, etc. Stem cell research is no more far-fetched than antibiotics were to people of the early 19th century. In the future, would you decline stem cell therapy for your terminal illness based on the beliefs you hold today?
4. Can doctors assist with lethal injections? No. This would create a "slippery slope." A physician's duty is to protect/improve a patient's quality of life and serve in their best interests. Killing a patient violates this role. Abortion is admittedly a sticky issue (who is the patient you are serving?). Are they required to be present at executions to confirm death and deal with any problems? Yes. Can they refuse to participate (just as they can refuse to perform an abortion)? Yes.
2006-06-13 21:58:22 · answer #2 · answered by scott_d_webb 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's nothing "wrong" with this picture, but only in how YOU are looking at it.
Try to keep abortion out of this debate; it is way more complicated than your Bible-thumping priest has made it out to be.
The question is: can a doctor actively _kill_ another human being? The answer is: the Doctors' oath (and 2000+ years of tradition) prevents them from doing so.
If you think you are willing to do so, then please go ahead, become a doctor and volunteer your services.
Maybe you should stop listening to the likes of Jerry Falwell, and start thinking with your own brain a little?
2006-06-13 10:50:20 · answer #3 · answered by don.giovanni 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This question took a turn I was not expecting. This certainly is a screwed up world we live in. This all hit home because I am for the death penalty, pro choice (through the first trimester only), pro stem cell research (under the right circumstances-short of creating babies for the research), pro making an end of life decision yourself and a christian. What is wrong with THIS picture?
2006-06-13 10:53:19 · answer #4 · answered by butrcupps 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, doctors may prescribe a large of volume of analgesics (as long as they are medically-appropriate) which "coincidentally" may also act to shorten the patient's life. This is as close to physician-assisted suicide/death as is possible by law. Time of death is usually called by a member of the state medical examiner's office, not a doctor.
I hate to make your day any worse, but it also turns out gay people are getting married!!!
2006-06-13 11:58:01 · answer #5 · answered by jml3148 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question. I'm pretty sure that some form of doctor has to give the injection. And I know for sure that one has to be present at all forms of execution.
2006-06-13 10:47:07 · answer #6 · answered by avytyr 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know that in my state, a doctor is present. They are the ones' that "fill the prescription" for the meds.
2006-06-13 10:49:00 · answer #7 · answered by gonnabeateacher2003 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not it is not true .doctors always assist .
2006-06-13 11:03:30 · answer #8 · answered by vikram r 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have you seen my doggie??
2006-06-13 10:48:55 · answer #9 · answered by misterpotato123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋