Ethics Autonomy And Confidentiality

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Autonomy is the word that is often used, yet poorly understood. Health profession is told to respect the autonomy of the patient but is given little guidance understanding the true meaning of this theoretical concept. Privacy is a fundamental right of individuals (O’keefe,2001). In this case study, we will be discussing and go in depth about the ethics, autonomy and confidentiality of the patients in this particular scenario. A sixteen-year-old confided to her teacher that she has missed her menstrual cycle. A urine for pregnancy test indicated a positive result. She told her teacher that she had sexually active with her boyfriend for the last three months. Her boyfriend is now serving his National Service and they have no plans to marry. …show more content…

The word autonomy denotes having the freedom to make choices about issues that affect one’s life. It is closely related to the concept of respect for persons and is an important principle in cultures where all individual are considered to be irreplaceable and essential members of society. We can imply autonomy to a basic concept. Focus on the person must be able to understand the meaning of the choice to be made and thoughtful on the various options while understanding the repercussion of the possible outcome. (Margaret & Avita,2008.) This guides us to the procedure of the underage procedure which is closely related. In Singapore abortion is legal. However, as stated by the guidelines on termination of pregnancy, pre-abortion counselling for girls below 16 years of age, our patient, is needed in order to get a certificate of attendance (COA), COA is compulsory for underage abortion, to check Gillick competence. Gillick competence means a minor can make a decision on medical treatment with regards to pregnancy without parents’ knowledge or consent if she understands the complication of the choices she …show more content…

Every certified medical practitioner shall provide counselling to a woman who has had her pregnancy terminated according to law. Such counselling only can be carried out by qualified abortion counsellor in a neutral means. The post-counselling responsible love, sexual behaviour, contraceptive methods and psychosocial factors like inclining girl towards sexual relationship and to prevent second pregnancies. Also, there are other options of the counselling such as carrying foetus to term and encouragement to unveil to parents about

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