A new study from the University of Queensland has highlighted the tension doctors and midwives experience when supporting women's right to decide what happens to them and their babies.
The research, from UQ's Queensland Centre for Mothers & Babies (QCMB), found midwives and obstetricians supported the notion that a woman should have the final say about her care, but when a woman's decisions may put the fetus at risk, they were willing to override the woman's wishes.
QCMB director, and lead author of the study, Professor Sue Kruske said the research highlighted that the ideal of a woman's rights might not always reflect what happens in practice.
“Like all health care consumers, pregnant women have the right to make autonomous decisions about their medical care and this is enshrined in law,” Professor Kruske said.
However, this right creates some confusion particularly in situations when a woman's decision is perceived to lead to increased risk of harm to the fetus, even when there is lack of good evidence that this will occur.
“This is played out in a range of ways including health professionals not allowing women to birth in water or decline continuous electronic monitoring in labour. Women have even been told that if they want these things, they can have their babies elsewhere,” said Professor Kruske.
The report also highlights that there is confusion between doctors and midwives about their legal responsibilities.
“Doctors believe themselves to be ultimately legally accountable for outcomes experienced in pregnancy and birth, despite the formal legal position that all health care professionals are responsible only for adverse outcomes caused by their own negligent actions,” she said.
However, the Australian Medical Association official policy states that:
"The doctor must respect the woman's informed decision, even if it is not consistent with the doctor's advice, and continue to provide patient support."
The full AMA statement can be read here.
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