This book examines the principles and realities of ethics in midwifery practice today. It explains basic ethical theory, looking at how dilemmas occur and the ethical bases on which conflicts can be resolved. Through a series of case studies, options and issues for consideration are reviewed, particularly in areas of increasing concern and debate such as confidentiality, autonomy, screening, abortion, assisted conception and withholding treatment. This book is valuable to all students and practicing midwives who need to understand the principles and practice of ethics, especially how to apply ethical thought and action in their own day-to-day work.

Why ethics for midwives? -- Existing ethical codes, guidelines, and value statements -- Privacy and confidentiality -- Informed consent/choice -- Who is the client? -- Multiple relationships -- Scope of practice and competence -- Working with other professionals -- Client non-compliance and termination of care -- Diversity, equity, and justice -- Addressing ethical concerns -- Ethical thinking, caring, and decision-making.

Legal and ethical competence is a cornerstone of professional midwifery practice and an essential part of midwifery training. Law and Ethics for Midwifery is a unique and practical resource for student midwives. Written by an experienced midwifery lecturer, this text draws on a wide variety of real life case studies and focuses particularly on the core areas of accountability, autonomy and advocacy. Opening with two chapters providing overviews respectively of ethical theories and legislation, the book is then arranged thematically. These chapters have a common structure which includes case studies, relevant legislation, reflective activities and a summary, and they run across areas of concern from negligence through safeguarding to record-keeping. Grounded in midwifery practice, the text enables student midwives to consider and prepare for ethical and legal dilemmas they may face as midwives in clinical practice.

Pamphlet is a succinct statement of the ethical obligations and duties of individuals who enter the nursing profession, the profession's nonnegotiable ethical standard, and an expression of nursing's own understanding of its commitment to society. Provides a framework for nurses to use in ethical analysis and decision-making.

A multi-disciplinary introduction to the ethical dilemmas which commonly face midwives in clinical practice. A wide range of problems is explored by experienced practitioners and philosophers and clear guidance is offered on how different clinical and legal issues might be approached.

Understanding ethics and law in health care is an essential part of nurse and midwife professional standards, and a core component of qualifying programmes. Ethics, Law and Health Care teaches applied ethics and law in a way that illustrates the real world applications of these essential aspects of practice. It enables readers to not only recognise but also address legal and ethical issues that will arise in their professional practice. The book approaches these issues using the Nursing and Midwifery Codes of Ethics, the Codes of Professional Conduct and the four principles of biomedical ethics: Autonomy Non-maleficence Beneficence Justice Filled with case studies, review questions and useful further reading, this book gives readers a solid understanding of ethics and law in health care, and a clear decision-making framework so they can take action confidently.Chapter 1: Ethics and Law.- Chapter 2: Ethics and ethical and legal decision- making frameworks.- Chapter 3: The Australian legal system.- Chapter 4: Ethics, law and nursing and midwifery practice.- Chapter 5: Adult patients - Consent and refusal of consent.- Chapter 6: Children as patients.- Chapter 7 Law, ethics and health information management.- Chapter 8: Patient safety and negligence.- Chapter 9: Ethics, law and mental health.- Chapter 10: Ethics, law and the elderly.- Chapter 11: End-of-life issues.- Chapter 12: Issues relevant to reproduction, pregnancy and the birth of a child.- Chapter 13: Ethics, law and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients Appendixes.- Code of conduct for nurses.- Code of conduct for midwives.- Where to find the International Council of Nurses Code of Ethics and the International Confederation of Midwives Code of Ethics.

Understanding ethics and law in health care is an essential part of nurses' and midwives' professional standards. Ethics, Law and Health Care focuses on teaching applied ethics and law in a manner that illustrates the real world applications of these core components of the nursing and midwifery curriculum and practice. It equips readers with the ability to recognise and address legal and ethical issues that will arise in their professional practice. The book uses the four principles of biomedical ethics (autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence and justice) together with the use of both the Nursing and Midwifery Codes of Ethics and Codes of Professional Conduct, issued by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, as a central means through which to analyse and approach ethical and legal issues. Ethics, Law and Health Care is scaffolded to assist readers in understanding legal and ethical principles, to integrate them in the context of a particular issue within professional practice, and provide them with a decision-making framework to take action in a professional context by utilising the Codes as well as state and federal law. Aided by pedagogical features such as case studies, review questions, further reading and a glossary of common terms, this book is an essential resource for students, academics and practitioners. Key Features • Teaches applied ethics and law in a manner that illustrates the 'real world' applications of the core components of the nursing and midwifery curriculum and practice. • Scaffolded to assist readers in understanding legal and ethical principles, integrate them in the context of a particular issue or problem within professional practice, and provide them with a framework to take action in a professional context. • Full copies of the Codes of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Nurses and Midwives are provided as appendixes for ease of reference. • An online Tutorial Guide provides readers with examples of ethical and legal solutions to the end of chapter scenarios by utilising the decision-making framework.