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The ethics of state-sponsored and clinical promotion of long-acting reversible contraception.

Wale, J. and Rowlands, S., 2020. The ethics of state-sponsored and clinical promotion of long-acting reversible contraception. In: Contemporary Issues in Fertility Control Conference, 13 November 2019, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To review ethical aspects of the promotion and provision of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Specifically, to examine (1) the tension between informational exchange and the active promotion of LARC methods to new and existing contraceptive users by healthcare professionals; and (2) the distinct ethical issues arising from the promotion of LARC methods by state-sponsored actors and healthcare professionals. METHODS: Narrative review and ethical analysis. FINDINGS: There is an ethical difference between raising awareness/informational provision and actively promoting or prioritising specific contraceptive methods. It matters whether the policy choice is made, or the promotional activity about contraception is undertaken, by individual healthcare professionals at a local level or by more remote state-sponsored actors, because the relationship between the promoter and the (potential) contraceptive user is of a different kind. Imposing a dual responsibility upon healthcare professionals for raising awareness/informational exchange and the active promotion of LARC creates an unnecessary tension and barrier for the delivery of patient-centred care. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the need for ethical reflection on the central role of the promoting agent and the distinction between facilitating informational awareness and active promotion of LARC. LARC methods should not be prioritised in isolation and without regard to the wider implications of public promotion. A balanced narrative and information-sharing programme that respects the individual interests of each contraceptive user is called for, especially in direct professional/service user relationships. No assumption should be made that user decision-making will necessarily be determined and influenced solely by the relative effectiveness of the contraceptive method.

Item Type:Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Uncontrolled Keywords:LARC; long-acting reversible contraception; fertility
Group:Faculty of Media & Communication
ID Code:35083
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:21 Jan 2021 10:45
Last Modified:14 Mar 2022 14:26

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