According to AMA Opinion on Capital Punishment, should physicians participate in legally authorized executions?

• A. No, a physician should not participate
• B. Yes
• C. Only if they agree with death penalty
• D. It depends on jurisdiction

Answer: (A)

Participation in capital punishment clashes with the physician’s ethical role as a healer. The AMA’s stance is that physicians should not participate in legally authorized executions, including acts like administering lethal drugs or otherwise directly facilitating the death. This arises from the conflict between the physician’s obligation to do no harm and to preserve life, and the state’s act of killing. Involvement would blur the lines between care and punishment, undermine trust in the medical profession, and raise concerns about dual loyalties and moral responsibility. Personal beliefs or legal allowances do not override this ethical stance, so physicians should refrain from participation.