New AMA ethical policy opposes direct physician participation in interrogation
e-mail story | print storyJune 12, 2006
Statement attributable to:
Priscilla Ray, MD
Chair, AMA Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs
"After careful consideration and broad input from experts, the American Medical Association has adopted ethical guidelines that limit physician participation in interrogation. The new AMA policy clearly states that physicians who engage in any activity that relies on their medical knowledge and skills must continue to uphold medical ethics.
"Physicians must not conduct, directly participate in, or monitor an interrogation with an intent to intervene, because this undermines the physician’s role as healer. Because it is justifiable for physicians to serve in roles that serve the public interest, the AMA policy permits physicians to develop general interrogation strategies that are not coercive, but are humane and respect the rights of individuals.
"The practice of medicine is based on trust, and physicians are expected to care for patients without regard to personal characteristics. The development of this new ethical policy removes ambiguity for physicians who must make decisions about their involvement in interrogations.
"This policy builds on previous AMA efforts to assist physicians in the military who encounter such issues."
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For more information, please contact:
Katherine M. Hatwell
Senior Public Information Officer
AMA Media Relations
(202) 789-7419
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