Adélaïde Hautval

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Adélaïde Hautval

Adélaïde Hautval was a French psychiatrist known for her courageous actions during World War II. She was born on March 20, 1906, in France. Hautval dedicated her life to the field of psychiatry, specializing in the treatment of mental health disorders.

During the Nazi occupation of France, Hautval worked at the Saint-Anne psychiatric hospital in Paris. Despite the risks involved, she defied the Nazi authorities by refusing to comply with their orders to euthanize patients with mental illnesses. Hautval believed in the sanctity of human life and was determined to protect her vulnerable patients.

In addition to her work at the hospital, Hautval was involved in the French Resistance, providing assistance to those in need and helping to smuggle Jewish children to safety. Her bravery and compassion earned her the admiration of her colleagues and the gratitude of those she helped.

After the war, Hautval continued her work in psychiatry, advocating for the rights of patients with mental illnesses and promoting humane treatment practices. She remained a vocal critic of the atrocities committed during the war and worked tirelessly to ensure that such horrors would never be repeated.

Adélaïde Hautval's legacy lives on as a symbol of courage, compassion, and resilience in the face of adversity. Her unwavering commitment to upholding ethical principles in the darkest of times serves as an inspiration to all who strive to make the world a better place.