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The Law And Medical Ethics
Doctors' concern that medical ethics are becoming more and more
subservient to the law has prompted the World Medical Association
to issue a strong reaffirmation declaring that physicians' ethical
obligations typically exceed legal duties.
A resolution, passed by the WMA Council at its meeting in Divonne-les-Bains,
France, states: 'In some cases the law mandates unethical conduct.
The fact that a physician has complied with the law does not necessarily
mean that the physician acted ethically.
"When law is in conflict with medical ethics, physicians
should work to change the law. In circumstances of such conflict,
ethical responsibilities supersede legal obligations".
Dr Yoram Blachar, chairman of the WMA Council, added:
"For instance, in Belgium, there is now a law that permits
euthanasia, and there are moves to change the ethical rules to
fit in with that law. Similar pressures are occurring in other
countries and this is totally unacceptable to the medical profession
and contrary to the best interests of society".
"In issuing this statement, the WMA is expressing the strongest
possible support for Belgian doctors who wish to follow the highest
ethical standards and who refuse to co-operate with the new law".
"The WMA further recognises that physicians must have the
right to conscientiously object to participating in legal practices
which are contrary to the ethical codes of the profession".
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