The media is full of reports of the CIA torture files over the past few days and the role doctors played in it. Apparently, two doctors received $81 million to help develop and put into place the torture program over a seven-year period. Torture techniques devised included waterboarding, placing detainees in stress positions, sleep deprivation and others. While it can be debated whether torture is a necessary evil in the post-9/11 world, is there any doubt about the role doctors should have in developing a torture program?
Upon graduation, most doctors pledge some form of the Hippocratic Oath. This oath sets a certain ethical standard for doctors to abide by. There are no legal ramifications for violating the Oath, but most doctors take it very seriously. Part of the Oath states that we should do no harm. This has been postulated to have been added in at a later date than the original oath. There is simply no way a torture program can be devised that does not cause some kind of harm. Even for “soft” types of torture such as forced sleep deprivation, studies have shown changes in the brains of the victim upon PET scan imaging. This clearly is a sign of harm, even in the less physical methods of torture.
Why should doctors not be involved in torture programs?
– Our moral standard is set by the Hippocratic Oath. To violate that standard violates what many in our profession hold dear. If we violate the standard for this reason, is there any moral standard remaining? We have no other moral standard to guide us.
– As doctors, we are trained to be healers. We have intimate details of the functioning of the human body. We should not manipulate this knowledge to be used in a way that it was not intended.
– We are entrusted with patient’s lives. How can we work valiantly saving lives while at the same time, devising ways to torment life? These goals just do not go together.
– If our profession is seen as the creators of these torture programs, we have lost our focus as trusted medical care providers. How will patients continue to trust us? Trust is a very important aspect in any doctor-patient relationship. Breaking that bond can cause much harm.
– Many are predicting a shortage of physicians. Shouldn’t those capable be working to save lives and make people healthier? Doctors are a limited resource and should be used for what is truly needed.
So, while the debate rages, it is time for us all to take another look at the profession of medicine. Our focus should stay taking the best medical care of our patients. If it is necessary for doctors to be used in the torture of detainees, it should be strictly in a healing capacity. As doctors, we took the Oath. It is time for us to abide by its moral standards.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2014 Linda Girgis, MD, FAAFP
