Situation 1
1. It is ethical for Dr. Jones to inform Maggie’s parents that she is pregnant because she is only seventeen years old and is a minor. She may not be able to deal with the issue right. So, Dr. Jones should inform them about Maggie’s pregnancy so that they can help figure out what to do. This is the best way to avoid the unpleasant consequence for everyone.
2. It is not ethical for Dr. Jones to inform Maggie’s parents that she is pregnant because she is the patient and she has the right to keep her medical record confidential. Doctors are obliged to do so. Telling the parents the matter without the patient’s consent is against medical professions value. Thus, Dr. Jones should just leave it to her.
3. What do you think Dr. Jones should do?
I think she should not tell the parents directly. However, she should try to convince Maggie to break the news to her folks. Maybe Dr. Jones should also give her some useful advice like who she could go to if she need professional consults. Those can be the social workers, for example.