Introduction
The abortion case scenario involving the fifteen-year-old patient contains various legal and ethical implications. The first legal implication is that abortion is a legal option in this country. The daughter can choose to have an abortion or keep her baby, both legally permissible options. The law allows minors to make decisions about their bodies and health, so in this case, the daughter can choose her abortion without consulting her mother. The second legal implication is that the patient has the right to medical privacy and confidentiality, and the doctor may not be able to legally tell the patient’s mother about the pregnancy or abortion without the patient’s consent. In this case, the patient does not want her mother to be informed about the pregnancy or abortion. Therefore, the doctor should try finding a way to mediate between the daughter and mother without disclosing too much information.
In this case, if the daughter chooses not to involve her mother in her decision-making, the doctor should respect that decision. The doctor may decide to reach out to other resources such as family, friends, or support groups – to provide additional support for the daughter during this difficult time. In this case, the doctor’s goal is to help the daughter make a wise and informed decision, not to force her into a situation where she has to choose between her mother and her unborn child (Nash, 2019). Each situation is unique and will vary depending on the individual involved. It is up to the daughter whether or not she wants her mother involved in her abortion decision-making, and the doctor should respect that choice. Ultimately, the doctor’s role is to support and advocate for the patient while respecting her right to privacy and autonomy to ensure that the patient has the best possible experience during this difficult time.
How the Ethical Behavior of a Health Care Provider Influences the Quality of Care given to Consumers
The ethical behavior of a healthcare provider can influence the quality of care given to consumers in several ways. First, if healthcare providers act ethically, they are more likely to provide quality patient care. This is because they will follow best practices and standards of care and treat their patients with respect and compassion (Zyung et al., 2020). For example, in this case, the healthcare provider has offered to mediate between the daughter and mother. This shows a level of compassion and concern for the well-being of both parties. It can lead to more productive discussions and better patient care quality.
Additionally, ethical healthcare providers are more likely to be open and honest with their patients, which can help build trust. They know that being open and honest is the best way to build trust, and they want their patients to trust them. Ethical healthcare providers know that being open and honest can help to avoid misunderstandings and conflict (Lemmers et al., 2021). In this case, the doctor should discuss with the patient how the secret abortion may result in harmful consequences. This demands that the doctor be open to the minor and her parents. Patients who rely on their healthcare provider are more likely to comply with their treatment plan and follow their advice. They are more likely to be satisfied with their healthcare experience overall. By being open and honest, ethical healthcare providers can build trust with their patients and help them to receive the best possible care.
Another way ethical behavior can influence the quality of care given to consumers is by setting an example. If healthcare providers are ethical, they are more likely to be followed by their patients. This is because patients want to see good examples of how to behave and what is expected regarding their health care (Zyung et al., 2020). For instance, as in this case, if the healthcare provider in question does not want her mother informed of her daughter’s condition, this will likely be followed by other patients. This can lead to less transparency and communication between patients and their healthcare providers, which could result in poorer care. Therefore, setting an ethical example can ensure that quality care is delivered to consumers. It will help all the other people replicate the same care to their loved ones at the hospital and at home.
Challenges and Barriers in the Case Scenario
Firstly, the patient is likely to face resistance from her parents if they oppose abortion, and she may have difficulty getting to a clinic or paying for the procedure. The effect may arise from the patient’s age, financial situation, or location and could involve preventing her from going to a clinic or paying for the procedure (Charo, 2021). Also, if the parents are religious or moral objections to abortion, they may try to keep their daughter from getting an abortion even if she cannot get to a clinic or pay for it herself. It could result in the girl having an illegal abortion which could carry legal risks. Parental opposition to abortion can create a rift between the parents and their daughter, which can last for years and become difficult to overcome.
Secondly, the doctor may be reluctant to perform an abortion on a minor without her parent’s consent since it is a controversial and sensitive procedure. This can cause a challenge considering that the doctor may feel like they are not doing what is best for the patient or not respecting the parents’ wishes. Various countries require the doctor to involve the minor’s parents before carrying out an abortion (Jean et al., 2020). Therefore, abortion without parental consent can be illegal in these states. This can create a situation where the doctor risks their license or even jail time if they or perform the abortion without the proper documentation or authorization. It can be a significant hurdle for the doctor and lead to tension between them and the patient. Hence, both parties must be comfortable with the abortion procedure so that it can be done safely and safely.
Thirdly, the patient may have to deal with intense guilt and regret if she has the abortion. This is likely to be incredibly challenging if her parents are informed and try to pressure her into continuing the pregnancy. She may feel she has betrayed their trust or done something wrong. Additionally, the patient may worry about how her parents will react if they find out they may be disappointed or even angry with her (Charo, 2021). As a result, the patient may feel like she has to keep the abortion a secret, which can add to her guilt and regret. Ultimately, this can be very difficult for the patient to cope with. She may find it difficult to sleep or eat and feel like she is constantly on edge. If she needs help dealing with this type of guilt and regret, she should seek professional help.
Finally, there may be emotional barriers, such as feeling guilty or ashamed. The doctor can provide resources and support, but ultimately the decision to have an abortion rest with the patient. The patient may feel ashamed or embarrassed about her decision. Some societies may not welcome or accept anyone who has committed an abortion (Jean et al., 2020). In this case, the patient may have to undergo many challenges with her people and feel ashamed, which piles depression. It is essential to remember that abortion is a legal, medical procedure and should not be considered taboo or controversial. If the patient decides to have an abortion, she should feel confident in her decision and know that she has the support of her doctor and peers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the doctor should perform the abortion based on various factors, including the mother and family engagement. This decision may have legal, ethical, and moral implications, but the doctor should attempt to negotiate a resolution between the daughter and mother before performing the abortion. If negotiations fail, the doctor should still perform the abortion but tell both parties about his decision afterward. This way, both parties feel heard and respected. Therefore, healthcare professionals must be impartial to maintain the patient’s trust and respect. These are difficult decisions for any healthcare professional, but they are challenging in cases where the patient and mother have opposing views on abortion. In general, healthcare professionals should be ready to make better decisions when dealing with various cases while ensuring the privacy of their patients.
References
Charo, R. A. (2021). Vigilante injustice —deputizing and weaponizing the public to stop abortions. New England Journal of Medicine, 385(16), 1441–1443. Web.
Coleman‐Minahan, K., Jean Stevenson, A., Obrist, E., & Hays, S. (2020). Adolescents obtaining an abortion without parental consent: Their reasons and experiences of social support. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 52(1), 15–22. Web.
Lemmers, A. L., & van der Voort, P. H. (2021). Trust in intensive care patients, family, and healthcare professionals: The development of a conceptual framework followed by a case study. Healthcare, 9(2), 208. Web.
Nash, E. (2019). Abortion rights in peril — what clinicians need to know. New England Journal of Medicine, 381(6), 497–499. Web.
Zyung, J. D., Mittal, V., Kekre, S., Hegde, G. G., Shang, J., Marcus, B. S., & Venkat, A. (2020). Service providers’ decision to use ethics committees and consultation in complex services. Journal of Marketing Research, 57(2), 278–297. Web.