The importance of secularism in medical ethics: the Turkish example

In light of all the historical events surrounding Turkey (a nationalist movement led by Mustafa Kemal, won a war of independence (1919–23) on behalf of values like individual freedom, secularism and democracy, and abolished the sultanate and the caliphate), without forgetting the fact of globalization, the secular and democratic model should be developed all over the world. It means that the consideration of the present well-being of mankind should predominate over religious considerations in civil affairs and public education. There are significant differences between developed and developing countries in terms of human rights and developing countries have some features such as paternalism and authority, a poor concept of democracy, illiteracy and dominating religious beliefs and dogmas. Secularism in the Moslem world has a vital importance like other societies and the Western world seems to have realized this fact after 11 September 2001. Turkey is an almost unique model as it has been a secular country in the Moslem world since 1923. The reflections of this approach to the daily life of medicine, medical ethics and legislation in Turkey will be the main focus of this text.