"The involuntary character of psychiatric treatment is at odds with the spirit and ethics of medicine itself"

In this quote, Kate Millett is highlighting the contradiction between psychiatric treatment and the concepts of medicine. She argues that the involuntary nature of psychiatric treatment goes against the really essence of medication, which is to promote healing and well-being. By requiring individuals to go through psychiatric treatment versus their will, it breaks the ethical principles of autonomy and notified approval. Millett recommends that this practice is not in line with the real function of medication, which is to prioritize the wellness and agency of the patient. This quote sheds light on the ethical concerns surrounding uncontrolled psychiatric treatment and calls for a reevaluation of its use in the medical field.