Medical opposition to capital punishment is needed as executions surge

Abstract

Healthcare professionals can use their position to advocate for abolition, writes Bharat Malkani As civil liberties are threatened around the world, there has been a concerning increase in use of the death penalty. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have raised concerns about the rising number of death sentences and executions in 2024 and 2025,12 the way in which executions are carried out, and the vulnerabilities of people facing execution. The healthcare community has an important role in opposing the death penalty. Doctors must refuse to participate in the execution process and speak out against a practice that is antithetical to their commitment to promote health and wellbeing. Amnesty International reports that although the number of countries carrying out executions is decreasing, the number of executions in countries where it is legal has increased in recent years.1 At least 1518 executions took place globally in 2024, rising from 1153 recorded in 2023, making it the fourth consecutive year that the annual total has …