The right to choose is “the patient’s right”
According to the Patient’s Rights Declaration of 9 articles, there are 2 articles related to the right to choose when unprepared for pregnancy:
According to the Patient’s Rights Declaration of 9 articles, there are 2 articles related to the right to choose when unprepared for pregnancy:
Article 1: Every patient has the fundamental right to receive medical treatment and healthcare according to professional standards from healthcare professionals without discrimination as stipulated in the constitution.
This right includes counseling services and services consistent with the choice in case of unprepared pregnancy. Although many public health facilities are currently not ready to provide all services, especially safe pregnancy termination services (legal abortion), we should recognize that this is a fundamental legitimate right to receive these services. If a public health facility is not ready to provide services, we should have the right to receive information and referrals to public health facilities that are ready. Even though each healthcare provider may have different attitudes towards unprepared pregnancy, they have a duty to provide services to those facing unprepared pregnancy who seek services without discrimination based on their personal attitudes. They should see that women seeking services for unprepared pregnancy are those in need of help and deserve assistance just like those with other health problems or illnesses, equally and fairly.
Article 6: Patients have the right to have their information kept confidential unless the patient consents or it is a duty of the healthcare professional for the direct benefit of the patient or according to the law.
This right includes the obligation of healthcare providers to keep confidential the information of service recipients who are unprepared for pregnancy, both in providing counseling services and other necessary services.
The right becomes even more important in a society that does not yet accept and blames, stigmatizes, or punishes women who are unprepared for pregnancy. Healthcare providers must be particularly sensitive to this issue.
Reference: Secretariat of the Medical Council
Declaration of “Rights” and “Duties” of Patients, issued by 6 Professional Councils, announced on August 12, 2015
Declaration of “Rights” and “Duties” of Patients, issued by 6 Professional Councils, announced on August 12, 2015