Do No Harm? One Doctor Says Physicians Should Take Part In Executions
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In Arkansas, the ongoing battle within the criminal justice system took a new turn earlier this week.
On Monday, the state put two convicted murderers to death — it was the first time for any state had carried out a double execution since the year 2000. Another condemned man is scheduled to be executed on Thursday. Initially, The Natural State planned to carry out eight executions in 11 days. This effort was driven by Midazolam — one of three execution drugs — which is set to expire at the end of this month.
When it comes to administering the lethal cocktail, the American Medical Association (AMA) objects to doctor participation for ethical reasons. It goes against the Hippocratic Oath, in which physicians swear to heal or do no harm to patients.
Dr. Sandeep Jauhar, a cardiologist, and author of the books "Intern" and "Doctored," disagrees with the AMA's view. In an op-ed for our partners at The New York Times, Dr. Jauhar states that although he opposes capital punishment, doctors should be present at executions to minimize prisoner suffering.
