Obstetrics and Gynecology · 1986 · 37 citations · 0 references
MedicineMaternal HealthObstetricsMaternal-fetal MedicineMedical EthicsPatient RightsCesarean DeliveryCesarean SectionObstetric ManagementReproductive Decision-makingCesarean Birth Decision-makingCesarean Delivery On Maternal RequestEthical Aspects Of ConsentIndications For Cesarean SectionLabor Decision-makingMedical Indication
The right of patients to be actively involved in treatment decisions is now widely accepted. A survey of 112 obstetricians was conducted to determine their responses to several cases in which a laboring woman asks for a cesarean section, even though the obstetrician has recommended a continued trial of labor/vaginal delivery. In 12 of the 19 cases there was substantial variation among respondents in the decision to agree with the patient. There was also no agreement, in many of these cases, on the presence or absence of a medical indication for abdominal delivery. The ethical aspects of this problem are explored.