Forced feeding

Forced feeding is a method of feeding used to administer nutrition to individuals who refuse to eat or are unable to eat on their own. This practice is often controversial due to ethical, medical, and legal implications.

Definition

Forced feeding is the practice of feeding a person against their will. This is typically done through the use of medical equipment such as a feeding tube or intravenous therapy. The person being fed may be conscious or unconscious during the process.

History

The history of forced feeding is complex and varied. It has been used in a variety of contexts, including medical treatment, punishment, and political protest. One of the most notable instances of forced feeding was during the suffragette movement in the early 20th century, when women on hunger strike were forcibly fed in prison.

Medical Use

In a medical context, forced feeding is often used when a patient is unable or unwilling to eat due to a physical or mental health condition. Conditions that may necessitate forced feeding include anorexia nervosa, severe depression, and certain types of cancer.

Ethical Considerations

There are many ethical considerations surrounding the practice of forced feeding. Some argue that it is a necessary measure to preserve life, while others believe it infringes on a person's autonomy and right to refuse treatment. The World Medical Association has stated that forced feeding is ethically unacceptable and is a form of inhumane and degrading treatment.

Legal Implications

The legal implications of forced feeding vary by jurisdiction. In some countries, it is considered a form of torture and is therefore illegal. In others, it is permitted under certain circumstances, such as when a person's life is at risk. The use of forced feeding in prisons, particularly in the context of hunger strikes, is a particularly contentious issue.

See Also

• Hunger strike
• Feeding tube
• Intravenous therapy
• Anorexia nervosa
• World Medical Association