forcefeeding

Force-feeding is the act of feeding a person or animal against their will or without their consent. In humans, it most commonly refers to delivering nutrition through a tube or other means when the subject cannot eat but does not consent, or when authorities seek to preserve life or manage medical conditions. The practice raises substantial ethical and legal questions and is governed by different rules in different jurisdictions.

In medical contexts, non-consensual feeding may be used for patients who lack decision-making capacity and have guardianship or court authorization, or in certain emergency situations. For competent adults, non-consensual feeding is generally prohibited except in narrowly defined circumstances. In hunger strikes or detention settings, force-feeding is highly controversial and is framed by debates about autonomy, dignity, and the duty to preserve life. Medical associations typically oppose forcing nutrition on competent individuals.

Common medical methods include nasogastric or orogastric tubes and, for long-term needs, percutaneous gastrostomy. Potential risks include aspiration, injury to the esophagus or airway, infection, and distress for the patient. Whenever possible, nutrition and hydration should be provided with informed consent and respect for the patient’s preferences and values.

In animal welfare and agriculture, force-feeding (gavage) is used to deliver large amounts of food to birds or other animals, notably in foie gras production. It is controversial and subject to animal welfare laws and bans in some jurisdictions, reflecting ongoing debates about welfare, ethics, and industry practices.