Where We Stand
Section: Professional Standards
Policy: Capital Punishment

Capital Punishment

An individual’s opinion on capital punishment is the personal moral decision of the individual. A physician, as a member of a profession dedicated to preserving life when there is hope of doing so, should not be a participant in a legally authorized execution.

A physician may make a determination or certification of death as currently provided by law in any situation.

Adopted at the interim House of Delegates, 1984.
Reaffirmed at the annual House of Delegates, 2011.

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