III. Medical Ethics Considerations from the Helsinki 2003 Conference
Sukhit Phaosavasdi MD*, Surasak Taneepanichskul MD*, Yuen Tannirandorn MD*, Boonchai Uerpairojkit MD* Chumsak Pruksapong MD**, Aurchart Kanjanapitak MD***
Affiliation : * Member of Thai Medical Association ** Director General of Instiute of Forensic Science *** Secretary General; Thai Medical Association, Member of the Royal College of ENT, Deputy Secretary General of Medical Council
In general, ethical values and legal principles are closely related, but ethical obligations typically
exceed legal duties. In some cases, for example, the abortion law for social purpose mandates unethical con-
ducts. The fact that the physician has complied to the law does not necessarily mean that the physician acted
ethically.
When law is in conflict with medical ethics, physicians should work to change the law. Although
under such circumstances the task can be time consuming, we should remember that ethical responsibilities
supersede legal obligations.
With the above considerations, Dr J G Snaedal has been appointed to the chair of the medical ethics
committee by the World Medical Association, to lead the group to resolve the following issues:
1. Declaration of Helsinki
2. Living wills
3. Relationships between physicians and commercial enterprises
4. Dual loyalty and human rights
5. Denunciation of acts of torture or cruel, inhuman of treatment
6. Forensic investigations of the missing
7. Biological weapons
Keywords : Ethics, Helsinki 2003
