Ethics and Reproduction Flashcards
What is the law relevant to sexual offences and consent?
The Sexual Offences Act 2009
What is central to sexual offences?
Consent = it need not be informed
What can children under 13 consent to?
Can’t consent to any sexual activity = must inform social services
What can children aged 13-15 consent to?
Can’t legally have intercourse or oral sex = consensual touching, kissing and sexual conversations between children of this age are generally accepted
Can you provide contraception for a child under 16?
Yes = as long as they are competent to make decision and have enough info to give informed consent
Do you need to inform parents about advice/treatment for abortions or STIs given to a child under 16?
No = these can be given without having to disclose info to parents
What is the guidance to assess competence in children?
The Fraser Guidelines = outline when a young person can consent to advice or treatment for sexual matters
What are some situations outlines in the Fraser Guidelines when it would be appropriate for a young person to give consent?
They have sufficient maturity and intelligence to understand the nature and implication of treatment
They can’t be persuaded to tell parents or allow doctor to tell them
They are very likely to begin/continue having intercourse with or without contraceptives
Their physical/mental health is likely to suffer unless they receive treatment or advice
The advice or treatment is in their best interests
When would a person aged over 16 not be assumed to be competent to make decisions about sexual activity?
The person is under 18, or is 16 or over with a mental disorder, and the other party is in a position of trust (e.g teacher)
What does an adult who doesn’t have capacity need in order to make decisions?
Need an advocate to make decisions in their best interests
When is it permissible to perform examinations that would constitute a criminal offence in other circumstances?
As long as there is a legitimate reason = seek consent from responsible person beforehand unless emergency, and assent form patient is possible
What are the arguments against assisted reproduction?
It is harming women and families
It isn’t natural and is intuitively wrong
It is playing God = no respect for sanctity of life
It artificially creates embryos, many of which are then destroyed
What are some situations where clinicians can conscientiously object?
Can opt out of assisted reproduction, prescribing contraception or taking part in abortions = treat patient fairly and refer them to another practitioner
What are the arguments for assisted reproduction?
1 in 6 couples have infertility issues = about 50% of these will require assisted conception
Same-sex couples and single women can benefit
What are some ethical issues surrounding access to infertility treatment?
Is there a right to procreate?
Is there a duty to help every same sex/infertile couple?
Are there situations where treatment should be refused?
Should infertility be considered a disease that needs treatment?
