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Oath betrayed

America's torture doctors

by Steven H. Miles

Cover of Oath betrayed

The revelation that the United States was systematically torturing inmates at prisons run by its military and civilian leaders divided the nation and brought deep shame to many. When author Miles, an expert in medical ethics and an advocate for human rights, learned of it, one of his first thoughts was: "Where were the prison doctors while the abuses were taking place?" Here, he explains the answer: not only were doctors, nurses, and medics silent while prisoners were abused; physicians and psychologists provided information that helped determine how much and what kind of mistreatment could be delivered to detainees during interrogation. Additionally, these harsh examinations were monitored by health professionals operating under the purview of the U.S. military. Based on meticulous research and documentations, he tells a story markedly different from the official version, revealing involvement at every level of government. This book will reinvigorate Americans' understanding of why human rights matter.--From publisher description.

Abu Ghraib PrisonAbuse ofEthicsGuantánamo Bay Detention CampMedical careMedical ethicsMedical personnelMilitary MedicineMoral and ethical aspectsMoral and ethical aspects of Military medicineMoral and ethical aspects of TortureMoral and ethical aspects of War on Terrorism, 2001-