A global overview of ethical issues in women's health

The fundamental denial of basic human rights to reproductive choice, freedo m from violence, and economic and educational development for women remains the major underpinning ethical issue in worldwide women's healthcare. The ability to choose when to have children, whether to have prenatal diagnosis or to make uncoerced choices at the end of life all hinge on the independe nce of each woman's ability to make choices about their own healthcare with in the constraints of the health resources available to them. Technologic a dvances increase the complexity of assuring that the rights and best intere st of the woman, the fetus or child, and society itself are balanced equita bly in both the healthcare setting as well as the development of national o r international policies and standards. The obstetrician/gynecologist, as a n advocate for women's health worldwide, has an ethical obligation to assur e human rights are extended to women and the obligation to assure that the care received is the best available. (C) 2000 International Federation of G ynecology and Obstetrics.