Physician Participation in Capital Punishment

BACKGROUND  The question of physician participation in capital punishment has a long history.¹ Physicians have helped develop execution methods that were more humane than conventional methods. The most famous example is that of Dr Joseph Guillotin, who developed a mechanism for execution that he believed to be far more humane and civilized than other contemporary methods.² However, other physicians have disagreed with any physician participation in the death penalty.¹ The Oath of Hippocrates has historically been interpreted as prohibiting physician participation in executions. The Oath states in part:I will use treatment to help the sick according to my ability and judgment, but never with a view to injury and wrong-doing. Neither will I administer a poison to anyone when asked to do so nor will I suggest such a course.¹During the 1970s, states began to consider use of lethal injection when executing condemned prisoners.