AMA Journal of Ethics^®

When a clinician refuses to do a procedure consistent with standard of care for a patient, legal resources can be helpful.

Preventing bad outcomes for teens and their offspring was the impetus behind confidential care for reproductive health. Requiring parental involvement created an obstacle to the provision of necessary care.

Clinicians using governing authority to make public health policy are ethically obliged to draw upon scientific and clinical information that accords professional standards.