[Decision making on breech delivery: information as a way to reconcile maternal autonomy and medical responsibility]

Gynecol Obstet Fertil. 2009 Jun;37(6):464-9. doi: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2009.04.001. Epub 2009 May 20.
[Article in French]

Abstract

As far as breech vaginal delivery remains an acceptable option, each case has to be evaluated in order to determine whether in that particular situation it is medically relevant. When vaginal delivery is to be envisaged, maternal consent is needed. This implies seeking medical information that allows women to express their autonomy and to be part of the decision regarding their delivery. This article concerns a physicians reflection on medical information and on connections between the obstetrician's responsibility, that of the future mother, and autonomy. Understanding information as necessarily arising from an exchange between the care giver and the future mother is the condition that allows the coexistence of maternal autonomy and medical responsibility.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Breech Presentation* / psychology
  • Cesarean Section
  • Decision Making*
  • Delivery, Obstetric / ethics*
  • Delivery, Obstetric / methods
  • Delivery, Obstetric / psychology
  • Ethics, Medical*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Informed Consent
  • Mothers / psychology
  • Personal Autonomy*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome