Cultural and ethical considerations in Obstetrics and Gynaecology - a narrative review
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Published Version
Date
2025
Authors
Wilson, Emma
Whibbs, Hannah
Belfiore, Alyssa
Seo, Hoyang
Sumastre, Faith
Lau, Irene
Birchenough, Lauren
Wang, Vivienne
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UCC Medical Research and Technology Society
Published Version
Abstract
The field of obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) is integral to women's health, encompassing preventive care, pregnancy, and reproductive health. However, significant cultural, racial, and ethical challenges persist, impacting patient outcomes and equity. This narrative review highlights key issues in OBGYN care, including disparities driven by communication barriers, racial bias, and restricted access to reproductive services. The relationship between language discordance and obstetric trauma for non-English speakers, emphasizing the need for interpreter services and bilingual proficiency among providers. Racial bias manifests in higher maternal mortality rates for Black women and inadequate pain management due to unfounded beliefs about biological differences. Ethical challenges also arise, concerning access to abortion and prenatal screening services, with wide global variation in legislation and implementation. In Ireland, restrictive laws and a lack of universal non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) highlights barriers to informed decision-making. Future directives emphasize fostering diversity in healthcare teams, implementing educational programs to address stigma, and advocating for inclusive policies that ensure equitable care. By addressing these challenges, OBGYN care can evolve to reflect the principles of equity, representation, and inclusivity, ultimately improving outcomes for diverse patient populations.
Description
Keywords
Obstetrics , Gynaecology , Narrative review , Cultural considerations
Citation
Wilson, E., Whibbs, H., Belfiore, A., Seo, H., Sumastre, F., Lau, I., Birchenough, L. and Wang, V. (2025) 'Cultural and ethical considerations in Obstetrics and Gynaecology - a narrative review', UCC Student Medical Journal, 5, pp. 59-63. https://doi.org/10.33178/SMJ.2025.1.12