Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition -- Professional Responsibilities

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Dedication

Preface

Part I
Ethical Foundations

"Ethical Decision Making in Obstetrics and Gynecology" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #390 "Ethical Decision Making in Obstetrics and Gynecology".

Informed Consent

Part II
Caring for Patients

"Surgery and Patient Choice" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #395 "Surgery and Patient Choice".

"Patient Testing" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #363 "Patient Testing: Ethical Issues in Selection and Counseling".

Committee Opinion #410 "Ethical Issues in Genetic Testing" has been issued since the publication of Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition.

Committee Opinion #409 "Direct-to-Consumer Marketing of Genetic Testing" has been issued since the publication of Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition.

"Human Immunodeficiency Virus" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #389 "Human Immunodeficiency Virus".

Committee Opinion #294 "At-Risk Drinking and Illicit Drug Use: Ethical Issues in Obstetric and Gynecologic Practice" has been issued since the publication of Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition.

Committee Opinion #385 "The Limits of Conscientious Refusal in Reproductive Medicine" has been issued since the publication of Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition.

Patient Choice in the Maternal-Fetal Relationship

Committee Opinion #321 "Maternal Decision Making, Ethics and the Law" has been issued since the publication of Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition.

"Sex Selection" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #360 "Sex Selection".

"Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #369 "Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction".

"Adoption" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #368 "Adoption".

"Surrogate Motherhood" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #397 "Surrogate Motherhood".

Committee Opinion #297 "Nonmedical Use of Obstetric Ultrasonography" has been issued since the publication of Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition.

"Sterilization of Women, Including Those with Mental Disabilities" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #371 "Sterilization of Women, Including Those with Mental Disabilities".

"End-of-Life Decision Making" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #403 "End-of-Life Decision Making".

"Medical Futility" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #362 "Medical Futility".

Part III
Professional Responsibilities

"Obstetric-Gynecologic Education" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #358 "Professional Responsibilities in Obstetric-Gynecologic Education".

"Seeking and Giving Consultation" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #365 "Seeking and Giving Consultation".

"Institutional Responsibility to Provide Legal Representation" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #370 "Institutional Responsibility to Provide Legal Representation".

"Commercial Enterprises in Medical Practice" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #359 "Commercial Enterprises in Medical Practice".

Committee Opinion #341 "Ethical Ways for Physicians to Market a Practice" has been issued since the publication of Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition.

Committee Opinion #352 "Innovative Practice: Ethical Guidelines" has been issued since the publication of Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition.

"Research Involving Women" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #377 "Research Involving Women".

"Preembryo Research" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion 347 "Using Preimplantation Embryos for Research".

"Sexual Misconduct" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #373 "Sexual Misconduct".

Part IV
Societal Responsibilities

"Relationships with Industry" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #401 "Relationships with Industry".

"Patents, Medicine, and the Interests of Patients" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #364 "Patents, Medicine, and the Interests of Patients".

"Expert Testimony" in Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Edition, has been removed from the website. An updated version has been released as Committee Opinion #374 "Expert Testimony".

Code of Professional Ethics of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Copyright © 2004 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 409 12th Street, SW, PO Box 96920, Washington, DC 20090-6920. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher.

ISBN 1-932328-03-3

Copies of Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology can be ordered through the ACOG Distribution Center by calling toll free 800-762-2264. Orders also can be placed from the ACOG web site at www.acog.org or sales.acog.org.

Part III
Professional Responsibilities

"To hold him who has taught me this art as equal to my parents and to live my life in partnership with him."—Hippocratic Oath (circa fourth century BCE)

As the 21st century unfolds with all its technologic advances, the concept of medicine as a profession persists. What duty do obstetrician-gynecologists owe to their present and future colleagues in the modern medical community? What obligations do they share in ensuring the continuation of the specialty and the pursuit of new medical knowledge?

This part of Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology is focused on the relationship of obstetrician-gynecologists with their colleagues within the specialty and beyond. It offers ethical guidance on the formation of new specialists in obstetrics and gynecology. Consultation and referral relationships can advance the best interests of patients, and practical information is provided on establishing these relationships. Research poses special requirements, both ethical and regulatory, and these are addressed as well. Finally, other chapters address the fiduciary responsibilities of obstetrician-gynecologists to their patients and the ethical obligation not to abuse this trust.

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