Question

john, a midwife is responsible for providing midwifery services including family planning to a community of 2000 people. One day whilst she was at the clinic, Grace a mother of ten (10) children came for family planning services. john, the midwife informed the mother of ten (10) children that if she has an Intrauterine Device (IUD), she will be 100% protected from getting another pregnancy, and that the IUD has no side-effects.

1. Identify the ethical theory employed by john in her approach of Grace and give reasons to support your answer.                                                                    

2. Identify and discuss one (1) ethical principle violated by john in her discussion of the family planning option with grace.                                                   

Answer 1

The ethical theory which has been used here is Utilitarianism theory. The reason is the midwife has looked upon the consequence of an action which can be more beneficial to the client .(The suggestion of IUD(action) can provide 100% no pregnancy (consequence - which is good or benefits the patient )

The ethical principle which is violated is the principle of autonomy because the decision is made by the midwife and not the client. The midwife could have prevented this violation by explaining the different types of procedure availabilty for family planning and ensuring the patient selects by herself and makes the decision .