This book examines the principles and realities of ethics in midwifery practice today. It explains basic ethical theory, looking at how dilemmas occur and the ethical bases on which conflicts can be resolved. Through a series of case studies, options and issues for consideration are reviewed, particularly in areas of increasing concern and debate such as confidentiality, autonomy, screening, abortion, assisted conception and withholding treatment.
This book will be of value to all students and practicing midwives who need to understand the principles and practice of ethics, especially how to apply ethical thought and action in their own day-to-day work.
New to this edition
All of Part One the general foundations are updated and revisedNew chapter on ethical dimensions of the midwifes role, with an emphasis on the midwife as the researcher
New case in the confidentiality chapterNew case in the accountability chapter on client abuse, with a focus on the accountability of the midwife who knew about this but did nothing
New case in the autonomy and consent chapter looking at enforced caesarian section, with a focus on ethics rather than the law (where the focus usually lies in reviewing this area)New chapter on assisted conception, replacing resource allocation which looked only briefly at this
New chapter on withholding and withdrawing treatment relating mainly to neonates
Key Features
Explains clearly ethical theory, especially how dilemmas occur, the bases for ethical decisions and how conflicts may be resolvedOutlines specifically how ethical principles can be applied in real-life practice, and in situations which may involve midwives in team decisions
Outlines detailed case studies which illustrate key ethical dilemmas and ways to consider resolutions within theseExplores and clearly delineates the ethical dimensions of the midwifes role (new chapter in the second edition)
Includes a new chapter on conscientious objection to participation in abortionHas greater focus on assisted conception and issues surrounding this, as this becomes a topic of more widespread interest
Adds a new chapter on withholding and withdrawing treatment, mainly in relation to neonates, again to reflect an area of growing concern and controversy
Author Information
By Shirley R. Jones, MA, RGN, RM, ADM, Cert Ed (FE), Teaching (Midwifery), Midwifery Consultant
Introduction
Ethical Theory
Is ethical reasoning part of everyday life?
What is ethics?
What is a moral issue?
What is a moral dilemma?
How do we resolve the conflicts do we need ethical theories?
Ethical theories: -
Utilitarianism
Act-utilitarianism
Rule-utilitarianism
Some criticisms of utilitarianism
Deontology:
Rational monism
Traditional deontology
Intuitionistic Pluralism
Another alternative?
Suggested reading
References
Bibliography
Part Two
Chapter One: Introduction to Part Two
References
Bibliography
Chapter Two: Ethical Dimensions of the Midwifes Role
Practitioner
Educator
Counsellor
Advisor
Friend
Chapter Three: Confidentiality
Case studies
Discussion of questions
Further discussions
Infringement of confidentiality
For whom is confidentiality/privacy important?
When do health care workers need to consider confidentiality?
Applying the theories
Suggested reading
References
Bibliography
Chapter Four: Accountability
Case study
Discussion of questions
Further discussion
FOR whom and what are midwives accountable?
TO whom are midwives accountable?
Applying the theories
Suggested reading
References
Bibliography
Chapter Five: Autonomy and Consent
Case study
Discussion of questions
Further discussion
Autonomy
Paternalism
Consent
Applying the theories
Suggested reading
References
Bibliography
Chapter Six: Conscientious Objection to Participation in Abortion
Case study
Discussion of questions
Further discussion
Applying the theories
Suggested reading
References
Bibliography
Chapter Seven: Assisted Conception
Case study
Discussion of questions
Further discussion
Applying the theories
Suggested reading
References
Bibliography
Chapter Eight: Withholding and Withdrawing Treatment
Case study
Discussion of questions
Further discussion
Applying the theories
Suggested reading
References
Bibliography
Conclusion
Glossary
Index
Index of Authors
"A very affordable, readable book that every midwife and student would benefit from ." Clare Carter, Practice Development Midwife, MIDIRS Midwifery Digest 11:2, June 2001
