Group 6
Discussion Board Activity #1
Participants: Anneshah Miller, N’dea Williams
Medical Paternalism is the concept of physicians making decisions for their patients regarding
their healthcare. (CITE) The doctor interferes with the patient’s ability to make a choice
regarding their healthcare. The intent of medical paternalism is to help the patient when the
doctor believes they alone, know the best course of action and do not trust the patient to make
informed decisions regarding their healthcare.
Medical Autonomy is the right of an individual to make his or her own independent decision
regarding their medical care without influence from their healthcare provider. Medical autonomy
is the more acceptable approach as the physician informs that patient the risks, benefitis, and
alternatives to care and treatment, and then the patient makes the final choice as to what is best
for them.
A 32 year old pregnant woman was admitted to the hospital for her third delivery. The first two
deliveries were done through C-section but the subject and her husband are compelling the HCPs
not to do a C-section but to deliver the baby through vaginal birth. The HCPS let the husband
and wife deliver per their request. Unfortunately, at the time of birth the uterus was ruptured and
she was transferred to ICU, after the baby was delivered vaginally. Two weeks later the mother
dies. In this case Medical Paternalism rule over Patient’s Autonomy, the Gynecologist could’ve
saved her life.
A 19 year old woman suffered neurological injuries from a car accident and is now dependent