Abstract
The topic of this book is both distressing and shocking. Since we began
studying the role of nurses as killers, we have been told that this is not a
suitable topic for study, that nurses "would never do those things", and at
times, despite concepts of academic freedom, employers (at times, and for
one of us-LS) have found it hard to understand why we would study this,
and have tried to put barriers in our way. Such ideas and behaviors have
strengthened our resolve to continue. We strongly believe not only that this
is a worthy topic for study but also that we are morally obliged to continue
this journey. Our profession (and that of midwifery, too) cannot move forward
and develop to its full potential unless such a dark side of its history
is acknowledged and addressed. In 2011, the German Medical Association
(Bundesarztekammer) (Livingstone 2012) apologized for the actions
of physicians during the Nazi era. We suggest that it is time that German
nursing and midwifery also do so through their respective organizations.
studying the role of nurses as killers, we have been told that this is not a
suitable topic for study, that nurses "would never do those things", and at
times, despite concepts of academic freedom, employers (at times, and for
one of us-LS) have found it hard to understand why we would study this,
and have tried to put barriers in our way. Such ideas and behaviors have
strengthened our resolve to continue. We strongly believe not only that this
is a worthy topic for study but also that we are morally obliged to continue
this journey. Our profession (and that of midwifery, too) cannot move forward
and develop to its full potential unless such a dark side of its history
is acknowledged and addressed. In 2011, the German Medical Association
(Bundesarztekammer) (Livingstone 2012) apologized for the actions
of physicians during the Nazi era. We suggest that it is time that German
nursing and midwifery also do so through their respective organizations.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Nurses and midwives in Nazi Germany |
| Subtitle of host publication | the 'Euthanasia Programs' |
| Editors | Susan Benedict, Linda Shields |
| Place of Publication | New York, NY |
| Publisher | Routledge |
| Pages | 243-247 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Edition | 1st |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781315832616 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780415896658 |
| Publication status | Published - 2014 |