Tubal Ligation with Cesarean Delivery

Number 205

Tubal ligation at the time of cesarean delivery requires significant additional physician work even though the technical work of the procedure is brief. Informed consent by the patient requires con...

Statement on Surgical Assistants

Number 240

(Reaffirmed 2008, Replaces No. 145, November 1994)

Competent surgical assistants should be available for all major obstetric and gynecologic operations. In many cases, the complexity of the surgery or the patient's condition will require the assistan...

Avoiding Inappropriate Clinical Decisions Based on False-Positive Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Test Results

Number 278

(Reaffirmed 2009)

ABSTRACT: Clinically significant false-positive human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test results are rare. However, some individuals have circulating factors in their serum (eg, heterophilic antibodie...

Perinatal Risks Associated With Assisted Reproductive Technology

Number 324

(Reaffirmed 2007)

ABSTRACT: Over the past two decades, the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has increased dramatically worldwide and has made pregnancy possible for many infertile couples. A growing bod...

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Number 389

ABSTRACT: Because human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection often is detected through prenatal and sexually transmitted disease testing, an obstetrician–gynecologist may be the first health profes...

Surgery and Patient Choice

Number 395

ABSTRACT: Acknowledgment of the importance of patient autonomy and increased patient access to information has prompted more patient–generated requests for surgical interventions not necessarily reco...

Surrogate Motherhood

Number 397

ABSTRACT: Ethical responsibilities are described for obstetrician–gynecologists who choose to participate in surrogacy arrangements by 1) advising couples who are considering surrogacy, 2) counseling...

Professional Liability and Gynecology-Only Practice

Number 408

(Reaffirmed 2012, Replaces No. 288, October 2003)

ABSTRACT: Fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists may choose to limit the scope of their practices to gynecology. The College considers early pregnancy care (often up to 12...

Direct-to-Consumer Marketing of Genetic Testing

Number 409

ABSTRACT: Marketing of genetic testing, although similar to direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs, raises additional concerns and considerations. These include issues of limited knowle...

Ethical Issues in Genetic Testing

Number 410

ABSTRACT: Genetic testing is poised to play an increasing role in the practice of obstetrics and gynecology. To assure patients of the highest quality of care, physicians should become familiar with ...

Health Care for Undocumented Immigrants

Number 425

ABSTRACT: Undocumented immigrants are less likely than other residents of the United States to have health insurance. Their access to publicly funded health programs has become increasingly limited s...

Family History as a Risk Assessment Tool

Number 478

ABSTRACT: Family history plays a critical role in assessing the risk of inherited medical conditions and single gene disorders. Several methods have been established to obtain family medical historie...

Methamphetamine Abuse in Women of Reproductive Age

Number 479

(Reaffirmed 2013)

ABSTRACT: Methamphetamine abuse has continued to increase in the United States since the late 1980s with its use spreading from the West Coast to areas across the country. Methamphetamine use in preg...

Preparing for Clinical Emergencies in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Number 487

(Replaces No. 353, December 2006)

ABSTRACT: Patient care emergencies may periodically occur at any time in any setting, particularly the inpatient setting. To respond to these emergencies, it is important that obstetrician–gynecologi...

Hepatitis B Hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections in Obstetrician - Gynecologists

Number 489

(Replaces No. 332, May 2006)

ABSTRACT: In the health care setting, bloodborne pathogens such as the hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may be transmitted from infected patients to ...

At-Risk Drinking and Alcohol Dependence - Obstetric and Gynecologic Implications

Number 496

(Reaffirmed 2013)

ABSTRACT: Compared with men, at-risk alcohol use by women has a disproportionate effect on their health and lives, including reproductive function and pregnancy outcomes. Obstetrician–gynecologists h...

Adult Manifestations of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Number 498

(Reaffirmed 2013)

ABSTRACT: Long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse are varied, complex, and often devastating. Many obstetrician-gynecologists knowingly or unknowingly provide care to abuse survivors and should s...

Understanding and Using the US Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2010

Number 505

ABSTRACT: The 2010 U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (U.S. MEC) issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gives comprehensive, evidence-based guidance to clinicia...

Intimate Partner Violence

Number 518

ABSTRACT: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant yet preventable public health problem that affects millions of women regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual o...

Disclosure and Discussion of Adverse Events

Number 520

(Replaces No. 380, October 2007)

ABSTRACT: Disclosure and discussion of adverse events in health care with the patient are morally and ethically necessary to achieve the optimal goal of respecting patient autonomy. Improving the dis...