Anesthesia, anesthesiologists and modern medical ethics

Abstract

Historically, anesthesiologists have played pivotal roles in medical ethics by developing and applying technology that posed ethical dilemmas, and by their leadership in answering ethical questions and posing new ones. In 1853, Queen Victoria's demand for chloroform for her labor undermined the religious demand that women must suffer the pains of childbirth. In the 1950s, Pope Pius XII consulted with anesthesiologists concerning humane and ethical pursuits centered in anesthesia. In 1957, the Pope supported the treatment of pathologic pain, even though such treatment might shorten life (the double effect). In 1973, John Bonica proposed that relief of pain is a basic human right.