PHR CAMPAIGNS

PHR Action Center

Establish Accountability for Health Professionals who Engage in Torture, Ill Treatment of Prisoners

Legislation has been proposed in New York State by NYS Assemblyman Richard Gottfried and NYS Senator Tom Duane which would prohibit the participation of health care professionals in torture and improper treatment of prisoners. This bill is a needed step to insure that the well-documented complicity and direct participation of physicians and other health professionals at Guantánamo Bay and elsewhere will not be repeated.

Physicians for Human Rights, The New York Coalition Against Torture (NYCAT), and The Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture have been at the forefront of advocacy for this legislation. This is your chance to help. We need your support.

If you are a medical student or other health professional in training, current health professional, or simply a concerned citizen, let New York State and the world know that you support this legislation by signing the petition below. Sign now, and forward to 5 friends.

To read this bill:

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS

Professional Associations

NY Chapter of the American College of Physicians
NY State Society of Physician's Assistants
NY State Psychological Association
NY State Nurses Association
Nurse Practitioner Association NY State
National Association of Social Workers - NY State Chapter
NY City Chapter of the National Lawyers' Guild

Human Rights Organizations

Center for Constitutional Rights
Physicians for Human Rights
New York Civil Liberties Union
Catholic Migration Office

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: I Support the Prohibition of Health Professional Participation in Torture.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I, the undersigned, strongly support legislation proposed by Richard Gottfried in the New York State Assembly and Tom Duane in the New York State Senate clearly stating that engaging in torture or ill treatment of prisoners is professional misconduct.

This bill is necessary to insure that the well-documented complicity and participation of health professionals at Guantánamo Bay and elsewhere will not be repeated. To date, no health professionals have been held accountable through either military or state disciplinary procedures.

Because of its historic and national leadership in health including clinical practice, education and research, we support New York taking the lead in demanding that health professionals not use their professional skills to inflict harm on people, and holding health professionals accountable through licensing and disciplinary mechanisms if they violate these norms.

This legislation clearly states health professionals' obligations not to engage in torture or ill treatment, nor to participate in interrogation, while permitting legitimate activities such as assessments of competency and restraining prisoners when necessary for safety. Importantly, it also makes clear that violations of these obligations can result in charges of professional misconduct, discipline, and license revocation.

I believe that this bill is an important and necessary step in the process of restoration of professional values and promoting accountability for violations.

Please co-sponsor this legislation and support accountability.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
December 18, 2009

Background Information

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