ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND LEGAL ISSUES IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY NURSING

The field of obstetrics and midwifery is inherently complex, involving both medical and ethical dimensions that affect the care of pregnant individuals, new-borns, and their families. Legal and ethical issues frequently intersect, posing challenges to healthcare providers in ensuring safe, equitable, and patient-centred care. Key legal considerations include informed consent, malpractice claims, and adherence to regulatory frameworks that govern clinical practice. Ethical dilemmas often arise in areas such as maternal autonomy, fetal rights, decision-making in high-risk pregnancies, and cultural or religious considerations in childbirth practices. The balance between respecting patient autonomy and adhering to evidence-based practices can create tensions, particularly in scenarios involving home births, refusal of medical interventions, or end-of-life decisions for neonates. Midwives and obstetricians must navigate these complexities while upholding professional standards, fostering trust, and minimizing harm. This abstract explores the critical legal and ethical challenges in the field, emphasizing the need for robust training, clear communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address these issues effectively and compassionately.