The Loss of the Dream of Freedom

Since the 4th century practitioners of medicine have been guided by the Hippocratic Oath by which the practitioner swears to do no harm by their profession. Recently the oath has fallen by the wayside as a requirement but is followed by many. Now, President Obama has proposed taking away protections for medical personnel who refuse to participate in practices they find morally objectionable. It seems that the desires of the state, as defined by our President, will trump the personal beliefs of the people.

The Hippocratic Oath began in Greece when practitioners had to take up the following promise.

“To consider dear to me, as my parents, him who taught me this art; to live in common with him and, if necessary, to share my goods with him; to look upon his children as my own brothers, to teach them this art. I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone. I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I am asked, nor will I advise such a plan; and similarly I will not give a woman a pessary to cause an abortion. But I will preserve the purity of my life and my arts. I will not cut for stone, even for patients in whom the disease is manifest; I will leave this operation to be performed by practitioners, specialists in this art. In every house where I come I will enter only for the good of my patients, keeping myself far from all intentional ill-doing and all seduction and especially from the pleasures of love with women or with men, be they free or slaves. All that may come to my knowledge in the exercise of my profession or in daily commerce with men, which ought not to be spread abroad, I will keep secret and will never reveal. If I keep this oath faithfully, may I enjoy my life and practice my art, respected by all men and in all times; but if I swerve from it or violate it, may the reverse be my lot."

Over the centuries this has been boiled down to the essential promise, “To do no harm” but now it seems that medical personnel will be forced by the government to go against their basic moral beliefs, because some government officials demand it. It is not as if anyone is going without treatment or prescriptions. Our capitalistic system ensures that there is always someone available to provide abortion, euthanasia or other practices many find objectionable but now, because President Obama says so, a professional could lose their right to practice or even face fines and jail if they refuse to go against their conscience and provide a service they find morally or personally objectionable.

There is no reason for the change as there is no evidence that anyone has had to go without a procedure or drug, yet the government just can’t stand to have its will ignored. It seems to be set on ensuring that morality and personal beliefs have no place in our country unless they are in line with Big Brother. I can think of nothing more objectionable or fearful than a government that is set on having its beliefs followed to the exclusion of all others.

Can you imagine the pain of being told you have to do something you find repugnant and that you have to not because someone else will suffer but because the government demands this? This change needs to be stopped while we still have some rights left. Whatever your position is in regards to President Obama, this move is just wrong and if we stand by and say nothing than we too are wrong and are complacent in the resulting forced compliance.