Midwife Ethical Dilemmas

Midwives face various ethical dilemmas in the course of their duty because the profession is involving and more than just providing health care services. The midwives have the responsibility to grant the women the freedom to choose the kind of care and treatment they feel is appropriate. However, what happens when the same choice endangers the health of the woman and the baby and affects them negatively. As a healthcare practitioner, a midwife is supposed to analyse the situation and resolve the ethical dilemma rationally, while putting the interest of the woman first, upholding their rights and respecting their decision. This condition can be an uphill task as some situation in midwifery are complex and require a professional to provide advice and care objectively and compassionately regardless of their point of view. This article will analyse labor induction as an ethical dilemma and apply ethical principles of nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and autonomy.

Midwives face different ethical dilemmas on a daily basis while providing maternal care to women. An example of

Therefore, they should consider the fact that induction of labour is a bad idea, especially when the mother and her baby are healthy. It also leads to an increased need for medical intervention such as epidural anesthesia, cesarean, and analgesia (Maslow, 2000). While applying the principle of beneficence, the midwife should act in the best interest of the woman. Thus, the midwife should realise that when using any medical intervention, the benefits should far outweigh the risks. Lastly, the principle of justice is concerned with the fair distribution of health resource. Therefore, while making the decision, the midwife should answer the question of whether the woman needs the induction yet it could be useful to other clients who may be in a critical condition (Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC),