We should force feed the prisoners to end the hunger strike? We need not look far. Management of the Recent Guantanamo Bay prison hunger strike is a “classic” example of doing it. Well not entirely classical according to my beliefs, but I will leave it to the readers to fathom it all.
American guards have used harsh new tactics to break a major hunger strike by terrorist suspects at the Guantanamo Bay prison camp in Cuba.
The new methods included strapping detainees into “restraint chairs” during force feeding, apparently to prevent the practice of deliberately regurgitating meals.
Other strikers were placed in very cold air-conditioned cells, had “comfort” items like blankets removed and were placed in solitary confinement.
more from the Telegraph.
An ICRC post on their website talks about the ethical and medical aspects of hunger strikes in custody.
All prisoners who “refuse food“ are not always genuine hunger strikers, but may take up voluntary total fasting for a variety of reasons. In countries where prisoners’ rights are not fully respected, hunger strikes may be a last resort for prisoners wanting to protest against their situation The World Medical Association (WMA) has established Guidelines for doctors involved in hunger strikes. The WMA 1975 Declaration of Tokyo and the WMA 1991 Declaration of Malta both prohibit the use of force-feeding. Although these declarations may apply to different situations, they share the obvious common denominator of being concerned with the patient’s welfare. It is essential for doctors working with prisoners to establish a relationship of trust with any hunger striking patients, so as to be able to act in their best interest. If a prisoner has clearly stated that he refuses to be force-fed, then the doctor must use his clinical and moral judgement to do his best for the patient without resorting to any form of coercion. Heeding the informed consent of a hunger striker, confirmed within the trust of the doctor-patient relationship, and respecting the intrinsic dignity of the fasting prisoner is certainly part of the doctor’s duty in looking after the patient’s welfare.
Read more of from ICRC website.
It will be torture according to international norms if the doctors try to force IV drips in to the prisoners without their consent.
I love this blog. Good work MH.
Yeah whats the point of this post? Are you advocating FOR or against anything? or just stating something?
Doctors do no harm, isn’t that part of the sacred oath?
Why do i always get bombarded with questions?
As health professionals we all are to do no harm. Whether it is psychiatrists, doctors, physios, nurses etc…