Ethics in reproductive technology and end of life care

Question 1

When does a fetus obtain legal rights?

Answer 1

• Not until it is born alive and with complete delivery from the body of the woman

Question 2

True of false a woman is permitted to refuse HIV testing during pregnancy and is not at fault if vertical transmission to the fetus results

Answer 2

• True

Question 3

True or False: A woman cannot refuse a C-section while in labour if the fetus shows evidence of distress

Answer 3

• False

Question 4

Which laws regulate abortion in Canada? Are there any limits on age/size of the fetus?

Answer 4

• No laws currently regulating abortion
• No age or size limits by law
• 2nd or 3rd trimester abortions usually not carried out due to serious risks to womans health.

Question 5

What can a surrogate mothers legally be compensated for?

Answer 5

• Reimbursement for their expenses related to being a surrogate

Question 6

What age must you legally be in Canada to donate eggs or sperm?

Answer 6

• 18
• Unless planned to be used by yourself
• Ex: Patient receiving radiation which may cause fertility can donate their gametes so they can use them later in life

Question 7

How do palliative care and physician-assisted suicide differ?

Answer 7

• Palliative care: assists patients who are dying but does not aim directly at or intend to end the persons life

Question 8

Define euthanasia

Answer 8

• Deliberate act undertaken by one person with the intention of ending the life of another person to relieve that person’s suffering, where the act is the cause of death

Question 9

Define Physician assisted suicide

Answer 9

• Act of intentionally killing oneself with the assistance of a physician who deliberately provides the knowledge and/or the means to do so

Question 10

Is euthanasia legal in Canada?

Answer 10

• No

- Physician assisted suicide, however, is

Question 11

What is the difference between palliative sedation and euthanasia?

Answer 11

• With palliative sedation the primary goal is to sedate the patient to ease suffering, although death may occur it is not the primary intent.

Question 12

When someone requests withdrawal of care or PAS you should ask about reversible causes what are they?

Answer 12

• Depression
• Poor palliation
• Poverty
• Poor education
• Isolation

Question 13

What are physicians responsible for completing following a death of a patient?

Answer 13

• Medical certificate of death
• Unless coroner needs notification
• Failure to report death is a criminal offense

Question 14

When must a coroner be notified? (6)

Answer 14

Death due to:

1) Violence, negligence, misadventure, malpractice
2) Relating to pregnancy
3) Sudden of unexpected
4) Disease not treated by legally qualified practitioner
5) From any cause other than disease
6) Suspicious circumstances

Question 15

True or False: It is permissible for a doctor to stay in the exam room while a patient dresses or undresses for an exam?

Answer 15

• False
• Inappropriate sexual conduct
• Sexual jokes also in this category

Question 16

How long after last therapeutic contact might it be permissible to have a personal relationship with a former patient? In which case can you never?

Answer 16

• 1 year

- Prohibited with any patient you had seen for psychotherapy

Question 17

When is it ok for a physician to treat their family members or themselves?(3)

Answer 17

• Minor conditions
• Emergencies
• No other physician is readily available

Question 18

Ending a physician-Pt relationship can be considered professional misconduct unless what (3)

Answer 18

• Done by patient request
• Alternative services have been arranged
• Adequate notice has been given

Question 19

When can a physician accept sponsorship to attend a conference from a third party company (ethics)?

Answer 19

• Only if they are presenting at the conference
• Must disclose sponsorship in presentation
• Cannot receive only to attend