Medical Ethics Committee


The Medical Ethics Committee debates issues of principle in
  • medical ethics
  • medical law
  • ethical matters concerning the relationship between the medical profession, the public and the state.
The Committee comprises 18 members - doctors, philosophers, lawyers, theologians and lay people. It debates issues of principle in
  • medical ethics
  • medical law
  • ethical matters concerning the relationship between the medical profession, the public and the state.
It is also responsible for liaison with the General Medical Council. The chairman is Dr Tony Calland.

The Medical Ethics Department, secretariat to the Committee,
  • answers individual ethical enquiries from doctors
  • produces guidelines and books
  • in cases verified by Amnesty International or Physicians for Human Rights, writes to governments in support of doctors detained without reason and any detainees denied medical treatment.
Ethical advice
The department’s published advice covers a wide range of issues, including
  • consent to and refusal of treatment
  • confidentiality
  • end of life issues, including withholding and withdrawing treatment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and DNAR orders
  • caring for children and young people
  • reproduction and genetics
  • organ donation
  • treating incapacitated adults
  • research
  • access to health records and the Data Protection Act
  • medical reports
Enquiries from members of the public or press are handled by the Public Affairs Department.

© British Medical Association 2008

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