Physician participation in capital punishment: A question of professional integrity

The death penalty is legal in 36 states, and physicians are expected to att end and participate in executions. Yet, every major medical and health-rela ted organization opposes physician participation in capital punishment. Thi s article argues that it is unethical for physicians within the role as med ical professional to participate in capital punishment and that such acts e rode the foundation of trust at the heart of medical practice. We believe t hat it is important for professional groups and medical societies to impose sanctions on members who choose to participate in executions.