Reproductive Rights & Law
What U.S. Supreme Court case legalized abortion in 1973?
Roe v Wade
What is genetic testing?
A medical test that identifies changes in genes, chromosomes, or proteins.
What is an advance directive?
A legal document stating a person’s healthcare wishes if they become unable to decide.
What are the 4 main principles of healthcare ethics?
autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice.
What is implied consent?
Consent assumed through a patient’s actions
What is a common legal issue related to reproductive rights today?
Access to abortion services and contraception.
Why is genetic privacy an ethical concern?
It involves sensitive personal health information that could be misused.
What does DNR stand for in healthcare?
Do Not Resuscitate.
What does the principle of justice mean in healthcare?
Fair and equal treatment and distribution of resources.
Who cannot legally give informed consent?
Minors, unconscious individuals, mentally incompetent patients.
What does the term “informed consent” mean in reproductive healthcare?
Patients must be fully informed and voluntarily agree before procedures.
What law protects against genetic discrimination?
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).
What is the legal difference between assisted suicide and euthanasia?
Assisted suicide is when a patient self-administers medication
Someone else administers euthanasia.
How does autonomy relate to patient rights?
It supports a patient’s right to make their own health decisions.
What is the difference between informed and express consent?
Informed consent includes risks/benefits; express consent is clearly stated (oral or written).
What is the legal concern with forced sterilization?
It violates individual rights and bodily autonomy.
What ethical issue arises with prenatal genetic testing?
It may lead to decisions about selective abortion.
What U.S. state was the first to legalize physician-assisted death?
Oregon
What is beneficence in medical ethics?
Acting in the best interest of the patient.
Why is documentation of consent important?
It provides legal protection for both patient and provider.
How does the law balance parental consent with minor reproductive rights?
Some states require parental consent; others allow minors to consent to reproductive care.
Should insurance companies have access to genetic test results? Prove your point with Why or why not?
Answers will vary (yes/no) —
ethical debate over fairness vs. discrimination.
Why might a healthcare provider refuse to follow an advance directive?
It may conflict with hospital policy, conscience laws, or be unclear.
What is a real-world conflict involving ethical principles?
A patient refusing treatment that could save their life (autonomy vs. beneficence).
What is the legal consequence of performing a procedure without consent?
It may be considered battery or medical malpractice.