Doctors are expected to increase the pressure on governments to end the death penalty by passing a resolution today condemning any of their colleagues who help in executions. The World Medical Association is expected to rule that doctors should take no part in administering a death sentence and should even refuse to certify the victim's death. The organization's resolution will not be legally binding, but delegates hope it will help persuade individual doctors not to take part in executions and increase calls for governments and, in the case of the United States, state legislatures to outlaw the practice. Delegates at the association's annual assembly in Edinburgh are expected to pass the proposed resolution from the Norwegian medical association, headed by Dr Harry Svabo.
Executions have nothing to do with the work of doctors.
News of the proposed resolution was welcomed by campaigners for an end to the death penalty, who predicted a withdrawal of assistance by doctors would make it difficult for some countries to continue sentencing people to death. Jim Welsh, Amnesty International's medical co-ordinator, said the resolution would add to the pressure on governments to end capital punishment. Even if it is not legally binding, such guidance can set a benchmark and represent a moral consensus. The reasons for participation in capital punishment are either a lack of awareness, a lack of thinking things through or pressure from governments. The World Medical Association's clarification of the position will help inform the debate and make the situation clear to health professionals all over the world.