title: Autonomy in place of birth: a concept analysis.
abstract: This article examines one of the relevant concepts in the current debate on home birth-autonomy in place of birth-and its uses in general language, ethics, and childbirth health care literature. International discussion on childbirth services. A concept analysis guided by the model of Walker and Avant. The authors suggest that autonomy in the context of choosing place of birth is defined by three main attributes: information, capacity and freedom; given the antecedent of not harming others, and the consequences of accountability for the outcome. Model, borderline and contrary cases of autonomy in place of birth are presented. A woman choosing place of birth is autonomous if she receives all relevant information on available choices, risks and benefits, is capable of understanding and processing the information and choosing place of birth in the absence of coercion, provided she intends no harm to others and is accountable for the outcome. The attributes of the definition can serve as a useful tool for pregnant women, midwives, and other health professionals in contemplating their moral status and discussing place of birth.
authors: University of Iceland, Eirberg, Eiriksgata 34, 101, Reykjavik, Iceland. beh6@hi.is.
authors: Berglind
authors: B
authors: Halfdansdottir
authors: University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.
authors: Margaret E
authors: ME
authors: Wilson
authors: Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden.|Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.|Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
authors: Ingegerd
authors: I
authors: Hildingsson
authors: University of Iceland, Eirberg, Eiriksgata 34, 101, Reykjavik, Iceland.
authors: Olof A
authors: OA
authors: Olafsdottir
authors: University of Akureyri, Akureyri, Iceland.
authors: Alexander Kr
authors: AK
authors: Smarason
authors: University of Iceland, Eirberg, Eiriksgata 34, 101, Reykjavik, Iceland.
authors: Herdis
authors: H
authors: Sveinsdottir
mesh_terms: D002755:Choice Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008880:Midwifery; D057240:Patient Preference; D028701:Patient Rights; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011247:Pregnancy
keywords: Autonomy; Choice; Concept analysis; Home birth; Midwifery; Place of birth
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