Medical torture
Medical Torture
Medical torture (pronunciation: /ˈmɛdɪkəl ˈtɔːtʃər/) refers to the use of medicine and medical knowledge for the purpose of inflicting pain, suffering, or psychological harm on a person. This practice is universally condemned by international bodies such as the World Medical Association and the United Nations.
Etymology
The term "medical torture" is a combination of the words "medical", derived from the Latin medicus meaning "pertaining to physicians", and "torture", from the Latin tortura meaning "twisting, tormenting".
History
Medical torture has been documented throughout history, with notable instances during the Holocaust where Nazi doctors performed inhumane experiments on prisoners. In more recent times, allegations of medical torture have been associated with various conflicts and authoritarian regimes around the world.
Forms of Medical Torture
Medical torture can take many forms, including:
- Pharmacological torture: The use of drugs to cause physical or mental suffering.
- Surgical torture: The use of surgical procedures without consent and for non-therapeutic purposes.
- Psychological torture: The use of medical knowledge to inflict mental harm.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Medical torture is considered a violation of the Hippocratic Oath, which requires physicians to "do no harm". It is also a breach of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Medical torture
- Wikipedia's article - Medical torture
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