Home birth: Consumer choice and restriction of physician autonomy
Journal of Business Ethics · 1987 · Volume 6 · Issue 6
Abstract
It is frequently argued that home birth is morally irresponsible because it involves the taking of risks on behalf of the fetus. Against this position, I argue three things. First, the fact that home birth involves risks does not necessarily entail that choosing or attending one is morally unacceptable, irresponsible or wrong. Second, parents have aprima faciaprerogative to decide on behalf of their fetuses and children whether risks should be taken. While thisprima faciaprerogative can be overridden, reasonable and widely accepted criteria for doing so are not met in the case of home birth. Third, since the current attitudes and behaviours of physicians with regard to home birth constitute ade factomorally and socially unjustifiable overriding of an informed parental decision, physician autonomy should be restricted so as to preserve the autonomy of the medical consumer.
Keywords
Economic Growth, Current Attitude, Consumer Choice, Home Birth, Parental Decision
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