Apparently there is a new effort by some abolitionists to target the medical doctors who are present during executions and assist in the administration of the chemicals. Certainly, it would seem that participation in an execution presents an ethical quandary for physicians who have taken an oath to uphold and preserve life. Of course, some would say that I'm hypocritical in such a statement since I support the right of an individual to physician assisted suicide. Some would say there is no difference. To me, there is. Physician assisted suicide comes at the choice and urging of a terminally ill patient who has a trusted relationship with their physician (one would hope). Executions come at the hand of the State in an effort to pursue some form of "justice." Its nothing more than murder, and it has nothing to do with the practice of medicine or valuing life. There is a big difference.


Death Penalty Ethics Quandary for Doctors