I believe medical professionals should act ethically. However, I’m not sure it’s unethical to force-feed prisoners on hunger strike. Setting aside the issues associated with incarceration (and Guantánamo Bay in particular), is it ethical to allow a prisoner to die of starvation, even if that is his/her choice? Or is it more ethical to force-feed them? Most suicides are, at least in part, caused by depression or other mental-health issues. I also realize that prisoners choosing starvation may be making a political statement, and it might be unethical to squelch their political speech. What do you think? SHELLEY MARKS, LOS ANGELES [read the full story here]
Tags: Prison Conditions & Corruption, Federal