0 - Protection of Conscience Project Library

(Correspondence) “The Silent Scream”: setting the record straight

Carlos Del Campo

Canadian Medical Association Journal, CMAJ — Canadian Medical Association Journal

Extract
A newsbrief in CMAJ 1985;132:1301) criticizing the videotape “The Silent Scream” failed to report the opinion of a highly qualified expert. Dr. Ian Donald, the original developer of diagnostic ultrasonography, former Regius professor of obstetrics at the University of Glasgow and honorary research consultant at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin, spent 4 years filming fetal activity at various stages of gestation. Donald, in a sworn affidavit, wrote: “I have now studied Dr. Nathanson’s video-tape film entitled ‘The Silent Scream’ not less than four times and affirm that I am of the opinion that the fetal activities depicted by ultrasound real- time scanning in this film are not faked [or] the result of artefact intentional or otherwise”.

Campo CD. (Correspondence) “The Silent Scream”: setting the record straight. Can Med Assoc J. 1985 Sep 15;133(6):556-557.

Professions as the conscience of society

Paul Sieghart

Abstract
Ethics is no less of a science than any other. It has its roots in conflicts of interest between human beings, and in their conflicting urges to behave either selfishly or altruistically. Resolving such conflicts leads to the specification of rules of conduct, often expressed in terms of rights and duties. In the special case of professional ethics, the paramount rule of conduct is altruism in the service of a ‘noble’ cause, and this distinguishes true professions from other trades or occupations. If professional ethics come into conflict with national laws, the professional today can test the legitimacy of such laws by reference to internationally agreed legal standards in the field of human rights, and so help to perform the role of ‘professions as the conscience of society’.

Sieghart P. Professions as the conscience of society. J Med Ethics. 1985 Sep;11(3):117-122.

(Correspondence) “The Silent Scream”: setting the record straight

J Kohari

Extract
No doubt several Ottawa gynecologists were shocked by the stark reality of the ultrasound images of abortion shown in “The Silent Scream”. The film can be called propaganda, but since there is no proof that it is a fake it is called a documentary. The gynecologists never questioned the reality of the procedure, so why do they label it dishonest?

Kohari J. (Correspondence) “The Silent Scream”: setting the record straight. Can Med Assoc J. 1985 Sep 15;133(6):557.

Abortion (Policy Statement)

Canadian Medical Association

Abstract
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) recognizes that there is justification for abortion on medical and nonmedical socioeconomic grounds and that such an elective surgical procedure should be decided upon by the patient and the physician(s) concerned. Ideally, the service should be available to all women on an equitable basis across Canada. CMA has recommended the removal of all references to hospital therapeutic abortion committees as outlined in the Criminal Code of Canada. The Criminal Code would then apply only to the performance of abortion by persons other than qualified physicians or in facilities other than approved or accredited hospitals. The Canadian Medical Association is opposed to abortion on demand or its use as a birth control method, emphasizing the importance of counselling services, family planning facilities and services, and access to contraceptive information. . . the association also supports the position that no hospital, physician or other health care worker should be compelled to participate in the provision of abortion services if it is contrary to their beliefs or wishes. CMA also recommended that a patient should be informed of physicians’ moral or religious views restricting their recommendation for a particular form of therapy.

Canadian_Medical_Association. Abortion (Policy Statement). Can Med Assoc J. 1985 Aug 15;133(4):318.

Conscientious objection: a constitutional right

Frederick L Brown, Stephen M Kohn, Michael D Kohn

Brown FL, Kohn SM, Kohn MD. Conscientious objection: a constitutional right. New England Law Review. 1985;21: 545-569

Civil disobedience, conscientious objection, and evasive noncompliance: a framework for the analysis and assessment of illegal actions in health care

James F Childress

Abstract
This essay explores some of the conceptual and moral issues raised by illegal actions in health care. The author first identifies several types of illegal action, concentrating on civil disobedience, conscientious objection or refusal, and evasive noncompliance. Then he sketches a framework for the moral justification of these types of illegal action. Finally, he applies the conceptual and normative frameworks to several major cases of illegal action in health care, such as “mercy killing” and some decisions not to treat incompetent patients.

Childress JF. Civil disobedience, conscientious objection, and evasive noncompliance: a framework for the analysis and assessment of illegal actions in health care. J Med Philos. 1985 Feb 01;10(1):63-83.