Case review of rural China doctor jailed for treating sex workers in 2012 sparks medical ethics debate on social media
- Owner of massage centre asks for help with employees’ health
- Doctor discovers it is sex racket, does not tell police, is arrested
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Reports about a rural doctor who was jailed for a year and a half for providing medical services to sex workers 12 years ago, has sparked a fierce debate on mainland social media.
Dr Feng, from Zhejiang province in eastern China, was found guilty of helping a group of female prostitutes. He was fined 5,000 yuan (US$690) and sentenced to 18 months in prison, Xiaoxiang Morning Herald reported.
Although the crime happened more than a decade ago, the case was recently reviewed by lawyer Fu Shifeng, who believed it had been misjudged.
His take on the case quickly went viral in the mainland media.
The story first emerged in 2008 when the owner of a foot massage centre, surnamed Li, contacted a man, surnamed Feng, who was operating an unlicensed clinic.
Li told Feng that one of his employees was ill and asked him to visit her at home.
Despite having no professional qualifications, Feng agreed to see the patient. His treatment was a success and he become a regular doctor for Li’s workers.
Feng realised the massage centre also offered sex services, but he chose not to report it to the local authorities or police.
He believed his responsibility as a doctor was to care for patients regardless of their profession. However, he was also worried about his unlicensed practice being exposed.
He was investigated and arrested by police in May 2011.
Feng launched an appeal but failed to overturn the decision because it was assumed he was helping Li run his sex-for-sale business.
Huang Mingru, a criminal law professor at Xiangtan University, said providing medical services for sex workers is not a crime, regardless of whether he or she is aware of whom they are treating.
He added that doctors have a duty of care and anybody is entitled to seek medical help.
“Feng had a responsibility to report his patient if he was aware of any unlawful activity, but it does not mean he was personally committing a crime,” Huang said.
Feng, who served his sentence a decade ago, told the Herald he does not want to dwell on that difficult time. His concern now is that his criminal record might have a negative impact on his child.
Many online observers on mainland social media agreed with the law professor’s view, while a few supported the court’s decision.
“Feng’s calling is to help people and not do harm to others. It’s really a wrong verdict,” one person said.
“What is the duty of a doctor? Isn’t it to save people?” another said.
“He is not licensed, so he isn’t a doctor,” a third pointed out.
“He clearly knew it was a prostitution business, but he did not report it to the police. He should take legal responsibility,” said another.
