Introduction

Abstract

We need to give careful thought to all those members of the health profession who lose sight of their fiduciary duties. They have much to learn from those who hold dear the command “Do no harm” and do not align themselves with the abuse of others, regardless of the goal intended. Caring for their patients should always take precedence over the values of patriotism and combat. In this book we look at torture as a global issue. Countries the world over treat detainees and prisoners in brutal and degrading ways. Examples abound as to the seriousness of the problem. That doctors have been implicated as participants or enablers in torture raises all sorts of concerns for the profession and for individual doctors.

This is a moral debate. It is about who we are.

—Sen. John McCain.