Ethical challenges in obstetric emergencies in low- and middle-income countries

Abstract

Obstetric emergencies are challenging, requiring implementation of a rapid sequence of interventions in a very short time to optimize clinical outcome. Managing obstetric emergencies could evoke ethical dilemmas for the obstetrician because of limited time to adequately educate the patient about her condition; impaired consciousness of the patient to give consent; nonexistent prior patient -doctor relationship and the need to consider both the patient and the fetus. In Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), poor access to appropriate emergency care, structural and financial barriers and a largely uneducated and a deeply cultural population contribute to the ethical challenges.

In this article we review key ethical issues in obstetric emergencies in LMICs such as informed consent, refusal of life saving treatment, confidentiality, disclosure of patient medical information and discharge against medical advice. The duties and responsibilities of the state to disadvantaged pregnant women and the ethical imperative of the obstetrician to provide care under these circumstances are discussed.