Witnessing Autopsies

I wish to voice my strong opposition to plans to have certain gang members view the autopsies of their slain fellows for “deterrent effect” such may have on gangbanger behavior.

The absurdity and lunacy of this idea become readily apparent if one reflects on the barbarous insensitivity of gangbangers as they proceed unchecked with the senseless destruction of themselves and their communities.

May I state further my resentment at what I consider to be the debasing and trivialization of what for physicians and other health professionals is considered a medical/surgical process of inestimable clinical value, namely the autopsy or post-mortem exam. This examination as performed by physicians caringly and methodically offers perhaps the only definitive avenue for understanding disease and other pathogenic mechanisms responsible for human death. Then too we should not disregard the sensitivities of families and loved ones who must consent to the autopsy.

Violent death with its post-mortem implications is tragic and socially dislocating enough and does not need further vulgarization even if such is in the name of behavioral re-education.

BASIL CLYMAN MD

Sepulveda VA Medical Center