ABOLITION OF WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION

Resolution 118-97

Author: Robert M. Gould, MD

Whereas, The medical community has long realized that nuclear weapons pose a unique threat to human survival (AMA Policy 520.999) and;

Whereas, The medical community has played a key role in alerting the public to the dangers of nuclear weapons and in advocating measures to prevent nuclear war (AMA Policy 520.997); and

Whereas, The importance of these efforts was recognized in 1985 with the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War for their efforts in spreading authoritative information and creating heightened awareness of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear war; and

Whereas, Even if all existing arms control treaties are fully implemented, 20,000 nuclear warheads will remain by the year 2003, the equivalent of 200,000 Hiroshima bombs; and

Whereas, The signing of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty of 1996 by the United States and over fifty other nations and the easing of the tensions of the Cold War provide a window of opportunity for eliminating nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction; and

Whereas, Resolutions supporting the abolition of nuclear weapons have been passed by the American Medical Association, the Massachusetts Medical Society, the American College of Physicians, and the American Public Health Association; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the California Medical Association support the elimination by all nations of all weapons of mass and indiscriminate destruction; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this policy be widely disseminated, including dissemination through the World Health Organization and other forums.