Consent in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Practice:Ethical, Legal, and Clinical Perspectives

Abstract

Consent is universally regarded as the cornerstone of ethical, legal, and professional medical practice. Within the discipline of obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGYN), where interventions frequently involve intimate examinations, reproductive decision-making, and surgical procedures that may permanently alter fertility and bodily integrity, the principles of informed consent assume even greater significance. In such contexts, consent not only fulfils a legal requirement but also ensures the preservation of patient dignity, trust, and autonomy.
This article reviews the conceptual and ethical foundations of consent, explores the Indian legal framework governing consent, discusses its different forms and essential components, and examines documentation standards with a particular emphasis on obstetric and gynaecological care. It further considers special clinical situations such as sterilization, caesarean section, hysterectomy, and abortion, as well as issues pertaining to sexual and reproductive health services. By discussing relevant legal statutes, judicial pronouncements, and international ethical guidelines, the article highlights the challenges faced by clinicians and proposes strategies to enhance patient-centred consent practices in India.