Friday 27 September 2013

National Consent Policy - section 7.7.1 - Refusal of Treatment in Pregnancy

National Consent Policy has been fully implemented.
This is the most current wording.


National Consent Policy: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/3/nas/news/National_Consent_Policy.pdf


Page 41: 7.7.1 Refusal of Treatment in Pregnancy

The consent of a pregnant woman is required for all health and social care interventions.
However, because of the constitutional provisions on the right to life of the "unborn" (12), there is significant legal uncertainty regarding the extent of a pregnant woman's right to refuse treatment in circumstances in which the refusal would put the life of a viable foetus at serious risk. In such circumstances, legal advice should be sought as to whether an application to the High Court is necessary.

Citation: (12) Article 40.3.3 of the Irish Constitution (1937)

Relevant factors to be considered in this context may include whether the risk to the life of the unborn is established with a reasonable degree of medical certainty, and whether the imposition of treatment would place a disproportionate burden or risk of harm on the pregnant woman.
 
 

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