title: A global overview of ethical issues in women's health.
abstract: The fundamental denial of basic human rights to reproductive choice, freedom 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 independence of each woman's ability to make choices about their own healthcare within the constraints of the health resources available to them. Technologic advances increase the complexity of assuring that the rights and best interest of the woman, the fetus or child, and society itself are balanced equitably in both the healthcare setting as well as the development of national or international policies and standards. The obstetrician/gynecologist, as an advocate for women's health worldwide, has an ethical obligation to assure human rights are extended to women and the obligation to assure that the care received is the best available.
authors.affiliation: FIGO Committee for the Ethical Aspects of Human Reproduction and Women's Health, FIGO Secretariat, London, UK.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Cain
mesh_terms: D002585:Cesarean Section; D003906:Developing Countries; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010819:Physician's Role; D011203:Poverty; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D013727:Terminal Care; D016387:Women's Health; D014933:Women's Rights