Medical Prescription For Survival

Abstract

While many in our profession would concur about the unprecedented medical, economic, and ecological consequences of the arms race and nuclear war, they are reluctant to act on this issue in their capacity as physicians. Almost all would agree with the cOmmitment of various professional societies to educate both the public and political leaders that “prevention is the only reasonable medical response.” But must a physi cian’s activities be limited to descriptions of the medical and environmental consequences of nuclear war? Or should physicians advocate and lobby for policies that will reduce the likelihood of nuclear war? We feel physicians must respond to the moral imperative of their commitment to life and health rather than worry about crossing the ill-defined boundary of the political realm. While the nuclear threat is a highly charged political issue, it is also the key public health issue of our era.

The IPPNW has not limited itself to dire prognostication. A year ago, at its fourth annual congress in Helsinki, IPPNW offered a medical prescription for peace. That prescription called for a comprehensive moratorium on all nuclear explosions. Such a moratorium is an achievable first step in slowing and then reversing the arms race.

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