Legal and ethical responsibilities of physicians in coercive situations, such as natural disasters

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the physician and the patient is based on the provisions of the proxy agreement. The attitude of the physician and the legal and ethical responsibilities of this attitude in an event of force majeure, such as severe natural disaster (earthquake), during a risky operation should be discussed. The aim of the present study was to present the opinions of the related professions about the subject and to discuss the subject on an ethical and legal ground.