Torture and international medical ethics standards

This chapter describes the development of ethical codes and standards setting documents over the centuries, and their incorporation into medical (and other health professional) education and training. It sets out some examples of general and specific ethical standards and how these have developed in response to abuses perpetuated by heath care professionals, or by politicians attempting to coerce professionals into becoming abusers. The chapter considers several examples of abuses that are regularly perpetuated by health care workers in different settings, especially within the detention sector, and contrasts this with the standards to which these professionals are required to adhere. It also details some other areas of ethical difficulty including the use of data acquired following abuse, and the release of information that might have malign potential. The chapter points to sources of ethical advice for those facing pressure to act in an ethically dubious manner.