title: Legal and ethical issues in the use of antiandrogens in treating sex offenders.
abstract: Antiandrogen treatment of sexual offenders raises serious legal and ethical considerations in both the medical profession and in the courts. Discussion is offered on the use of antiandrogens in both an involuntary and voluntary context. The potential negative impact of this treatment modality on such constitutional issues as privacy interests, right to procreative freedom, freedom of speech and communication, and freedom from cruel and unusual punishment is explored and notable, germane court cases are presented. The need for clear ethical guidelines for the administration of this treatment is stressed.
authors.affiliation: Forensic Psychiatry Clinic, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center.
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Melella
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Travin
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cullen
mesh_terms: D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D032763:Behavior Control; D004989:Ethics; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D035846:Law Enforcement; D008297:Male; D037141:Mandatory Programs; D008525:Medroxyprogesterone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D010262:Paraphilic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D028701:Patient Rights; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States; D035141:Voluntary Programs
chemical_list: D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate; D008525:Medroxyprogesterone