Why are Claire’s surgical skills in Outlander a danger to the Frasers?

In Outlander Season 5, we’ll get to see Claire develop her surgical skills more in the 18th century. However, it’s highly dangerous for all the Frasers.

Outlander Season 5 will see Claire’s surgery develop. She’s going to bring some of the 20th-century medical practices to the 18th century. But that means danger for all. It definitely means danger for her.

Why could it put the entire Fraser clan in the line of fire? What could Claire possibly do that would lead to her own life being on the line?

Well, we just have to remember the Season 4 episode “Do No Harm” to understand this. It’s an episode I have a love/hate relationship with. I understand why Claire wanted to save the slave but it wasn’t the right time or place. But it brings the point home of just how dangerous using her 20th-century brain could cause deadly consequences for the family.

Sophie Skelton points out in an interview with TV Tango that Claire’s actions will bring a focus on the family for the wrong reasons. Sure, Claire is doing good, but she’s using medicine that people don’t understand or know just yet.

Being a healer in the 18th century was a dangerous thing regardless. Even those who followed the 18th-century forms of medicine, especially women, were at the risk of being branded a witch. Claire using 20th-century medicine and saving people from illnesses that would otherwise kill them, making miraculous saves, would certainly get the people talking.

There’s a risk of people accusing Claire of witchcraft, especially the people who don’t like her. And if Claire is a witch, what about Brianna or even Marsali? Could they be witches, too?

And there is the risk of saving the wrong people. In “Do No Harm,” she put the other slaves at risk. Ulysses made it clear that Claire and the others had to follow the rules of the place. It didn’t matter if Claire felt it unjust. If Claire continued with her actions, it would put multiple slaves at risk due to retribution. It would also put Jocasta and the entire plantation at risk.

It’s something that needs to be considered. Claire wants to heal people, but does it put her own family in danger?

Outlander Season 5 premieres on Feb. 16 on STARZ.