MedMigrant

Question 4 · LEK · Patient rights

A pregnant woman had previously given birth to a child with hypochondroplasia, a genetic disease manifesting itself in dwarfism combined with joint and bone deformities. Fearing that this disease will occur in another child, she was referred by a gynecologist to a consultation clinic for women with high-risk pregnancies where she asked the physician for a referral to prenatal testing. The physician refused. Was that decision justified?

  1. A. yes, because the physician assumed that once this genetic disease is confirmed, the woman would terminate the pregnancy.
  2. B. yes, because the physician acknowledged that in order to exercise their professional freedom they were entitled to refuse to do so.
  3. C. no, because physician's refusal to refer the patient violated the patient's right to information and medical services.
  4. D. no, because prenatal testing is compulsory for pregnant women.
  5. E. yes, because patient's wish is not a sufficient reason to refer her to prenatal testing.
Hint

Ask whether a doctor's assumptions about the patient's future decision can limit her statutory rights to information and health services.

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