Birthing Alone: An Ethical Analysis of Pandemic Policies Banning Birthing Partners
International Journal of Feminist Approaches to Bioethics
; 14(2):114-143, 2021.
Article
in English
| Academic Search Complete | ID: covidwho-1412377
ABSTRACT
During the COVID-19 pandemic, several hospitals implemented "birthing alone" policies, banning companions (e.g., partners, family members, doulas) from accompanying individuals giving birth. We offer an ethical analysis of these policies. First, we examine them through a consequentialist framework of risks and benefits. Second, we consider the significance of birth, highlighting the unique ways in which risks, relationships, and rights are understood in the context of obstetrics. We conclude that birthing alone policies are largely unjustified, as the harm they are certain to cause outweighs their possible benefits and because they fail to take into account what matters to mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of International Journal of Feminist Approaches to Bioethics is the property of University of Toronto Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
Academic Search Complete
Language:
English
Journal:
International Journal of Feminist Approaches to Bioethics
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
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