"The Holocaust arose, in part, because of a profound and pervasive breakdown of medical professional ethics."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23781761

Med Law. 2013 Mar;32(1):1-11.

Compilation of a casebook on bioethics and the Holocaust as a platform for bioethics education.

Chelouche T.

Source

Tessa.chelouche@gmail.com

Abstract

The Holocaust arose, in part, because of a profound and pervasive breakdown of medical professional ethics. This history is complex and powerfully instructive. The value judgments and moral actions of the Nazi doctors can inform current debate and practices and also prevent the use of inaccurate analogies in current bioethical debates. Under the auspices of the International Center for Health, Law and Ethics at Haifa University, we are in the process of publishing a casebook on bioethical topics, using personal cases from the Third Reich and the Holocaust. The casebook will provide a platform for deep reflection and discourse on historical ethical issues and their relevance for today. This teaching tool can also inspire healthcare professionals and students to practice with greater compassion, knowledge, tolerance, respect and justice on behalf of their patients.