Ethical Issues in Childbirth: the Need for Relational Ethics

Abstract

In modern times establishing a dear difference between rig h t and wrong actions in midwifery is increasingly becoming difficult because o f the overwhelming addition o f constant evidence. The explosion and availability o f information and civilization has increased individual's awareness o f their rights and options when it comes to childbirth. Increasing demand fo r midwives to make decisions based on their professional expertise on one hand, and the desires and wishes o f their clients, on the other hand, requires a strong understanding o f ethics. Midwifery is considered a relationship - based profession due to the intimate nature o f the care provided. The handling o f personal information, physical contact, and psychological and educational care that characterizes midwifery practice has the potential to generate ethical issues. Several ways o f improving ethics in midwifery has been proposed in literature including the use o f ethical theories, principles and codes o f ethics among other strategies. The focus o f this paper is to examine some o f the sources o f conflict in childbirth and analyze the role o f codes, principles and theories in childbirth ethics. The author, from a personal po in t o f view, provides arguments to support the need to approach ethical issues in childbirth from a relational ethics perspective.