Sunday, August 26, 2007
Story last updated at 05:15 a.m. on Sunday, August 26, 2007

AMA code of ethics on capital punishment

The Associated Press

The American Medical Association's code of ethics says that while it is an individual decision whether to support the death penalty, doctors should not participate in executions because they are members "of a profession dedicated to preserving life when there is hope of doing so."

_ Any action that would directly cause the death of the condemned.

_ Assisting, supervising or contributing to the ability of another person to cause the death.

_ Any action that could cause an execution to be carried out.

_ Monitoring vital signs.

_ Attending or observing an execution as a physician.

_ Offering technical advice.

_ Selecting injection sites or starting intravenous lines.

_ Prescribing or preparing lethal drugs or supervising their injection.

_ Consulting with or supervising the lethal injection team.

AMA members who violate the ethics code can have their membership revoked.

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Source: The American Medical Association