Limiting the right of patients to make their own medical decisions can be justified only when a patient lacks the competence to do so or pose a threat to others.
Physicians need to help surrogate decision makers to make treatment and end-of-life decisions for those with severe neurological damage by proving a realistic prognosis and maintain strong lines of communication.
Performing a pelvic exam without consent on an anesthetized woman, even for teaching purposes, is unethical and considered sexual battery in some jurisdictions.