🌍 Background and Purpose
- Developed as a direct reaction to the violations of medical ethics during the Holocaust.
- Aimed to reinforce the moral responsibilities of physicians and establish ethical standards for medical practice worldwide.
- The declaration emphasizes the principles of human dignity, patient autonomy, and professional integrity.
- It has been amended several times (most recently in 2017) to reflect modern developments in medicine and society.
✅ Key Principles of the Declaration of Geneva
Here’s the current version of the Declaration of Geneva (2017):
"AS A MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:
- I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE to dedicate my life to the service of humanity;
- THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF MY PATIENT will be my first consideration;
- I WILL RESPECT the autonomy and dignity of my patient;
- I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect for human life;
- I WILL NOT PERMIT considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing or any other factor to intervene between my duty and my patient;
- I WILL RESPECT the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died;
- I WILL PRACTICE my profession with conscience and dignity and in accordance with good medical practice;
- I WILL FOSTER the honor and noble traditions of the medical profession;
- I WILL GIVE to my teachers, colleagues, and students the respect and gratitude that is their due;
- I WILL SHARE my medical knowledge for the benefit of the patient and the advancement of healthcare;
- I WILL ATTEND TO my own health, well-being, and abilities in order to provide care of the highest standard;
- I WILL NOT USE my medical knowledge to violate human rights and civil liberties, even under threat;
- I MAKE THESE PROMISES solemnly, freely, and upon my honor."
🏛️ How It Differs from the Hippocratic Oath
| Aspect | Hippocratic Oath | Declaration of Geneva |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Ancient Greece (5th century BCE) | Modern, post-WWII (1948) |
| Focus | Ethical conduct within the medical profession | Protection of human rights and patient dignity |
| References | Mentions Greek gods (e.g., Apollo) | Secular and global in nature |
| Content | Focus on abstaining from harm, maintaining secrecy, and not administering poison or abortions | Emphasis on patient autonomy, dignity, and social justice |
| Adaptation | Rarely changed over time | Updated regularly to reflect modern medicine |
🌟 Why It Matters
- Human Rights Foundation – Establishes human dignity and patient autonomy as fundamental principles in medical practice.
- Global Standard – Serves as the ethical code for physicians worldwide.
- Adaptability – The declaration is updated to reflect changes in medical knowledge and societal values.
- Professional Integrity – Encourages physicians to act with honor, respect, and dedication to patient care.
The Declaration of Geneva remains one of the most influential and widely respected ethical documents in the medical field.