When the patient delivers a low-birth-weight infant that requires extensive time in the neonatal intensive, should she be held responsible? Where do we draw the line? More importantly, on what basis do we draw the line?

Using the patient’s worldview to challenge his or her decision and establish a treatment plan—implying the view is shared by the physician when it is not—could be seen as manipulative and deceptive.

Trauma care presumes informed consent for treatment, but resident supervision is required within a training structure of graduated responsibility.

Physicians must ask themselves ethical questions before recommending participation in phase I trials to patients.

Physicians must ask themselves ethical questions before recommending participation in phase I trials to patients.

The patient appears to have decision-making capacity, has head trauma, a headache despite intoxication, and is irritable—and she refuses a CT scan of the head.

Specific advocate guidelines are needed for the protection of children in state custody who are potential research subjects in trials that would expose them to greater-than-minimal risk but also hold the prospect of direct benefit.

Physicians should provide women considering abortion after Down syndrome screening with unbiased information and not attempt to influence their decision.

The informed consent model for gender-affirming medical treatment emphasizes patient autonomy in choosing care without involving mental health professionals.

Although patients’ medical gender transition can be facilitated by counseling, as a matter of medical ethics, informed consent must be obtained for treatment.