Conscience and the medical profession

Journal/Book: Psyche Z Psychoanal Anwend. 1997; 51: Rotebuhlstrasse 77, D-7004 9 Stuttgart 1, Germany. Klett-Cotta Verlag. 410-422.

Abstract: The trials of Nazi doctors in Nuremberg 50 years ago were operative in revealing the extent to which medical people were involved in the atrocities perpetrated by the National Socialists. Yet to an even greater extent than the annihilation of the Jews, the Nazis' euthanasia killings have been hushed up and/or repressed both within the medical fraternity and the German public mind. Richter recalls those nationally-minded German doctors who believed that for the German nation to be completely sound it was necessary to sacrifice individual health interests, thus abetting the fateful collusion between eugenic and anti-Semitic persuasions. He warns of the danger of forgetting the war of extermination waged against the mentally disturbed, but is equally critical of the vague and esoteric nature of today's ongoing debate on bio-ethical issues. The author calls for a greater sense of personal morality and responsibility among the members of the medical profession and passionately advocates a medical ethic that focusses unwaveringly on the reciprocity between humanity/inhumanity in the doctor's relationship with himself and in his professional dealings.

Note: Article Richter HE, Friedrichstr 28, D-35392 Giessen, GERMANY

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