World Medical Association, Declaration on Human Rights and Individual Freedom of Medical Practitioners (1985)

Adopted by the 37th World Medical Assembly Brussels, Belgium, October 1985


The World Medical Association is in favor of equality of opportunity in medical society activities, medical education and training, employment, and all other aspects of medical professional endeavors regardless of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic affiliation, national origin, ***, age or political affiliation.


The World Medical Association is unalterably opposed to the denial of membership privileges and responsibilities in national medical associations to any duly registered physician because of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic affiliation, national origin, ***, age or political affiliation.


The World Medical Association calls upon the medical profession and all individual members of national medical associations to exert every effort to end any instance in which such equal rights, privileges or responsibilities are denied, and


THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the 37th World Medical Assembly meeting in Brussels, Belgium, October 1985, hereby reaffirms its adherence to these principles.