An individual has the need for practical support, positive input, encouragement, building of self esteem and knowledge in order to make decisions. When this is provided by the caregiver it promotes an open flow of information. This is crucial in a higher-risk pregnancy when choices may need to be made throughout the pregnancy and well into the newborn's life. The right to an informed choice empowers the individual, providing a stable knowledge basis for decision making, thereby increasing satisfaction level regarding pregnancy, labour, delivery, parenting and life.

It is in a patient's best interest to have open communication with her caregiver. There will be times throughout the pregnancy when she will need to consult with other professionals who may not have either the time or inclination to provide anything more than perfunctory information on which to base her choices. It becomes then the duty of her primary caregiver to help her understand in order to make her choices.

So What Does "Informed Consent" mean?

Disclosure of information:
Accurate information based on the "state of the art" is available. Specific points where choice is available should be detailed and outlined. The advantages and disadvantages of the various options should be clearly given.

Comprehension:
All information is to be given in the most clear and concise language. Evaluation is to be made in order to ensure the information is completely understood.

Voluntary agreement:
Information including any potential risks flowing from specific decisions must be presented in a sensitive, non-threatening manner. You must be given enough time to give consideration to the physical and psychological implications of each choice.

Competency to make a decision:
Your caregiver is obliged to ensure that you have emotional support available regardless of your decision. Your caregiver must also ensure that you are physically, mentally and emotionally able to make any decisions regarding your care.

Examples of questions you should ask your caregiver.

• What is the proposed treatment, why is it being done? How is it being done?
• What are the benefits to this treatment?
• What are the risks?
• What are the alternatives available and what are their risks and benefits?
• What would happen if we did nothing?
• How long do we have to make a decision?

When all of these criteria are met to your satisfaction, then and only then can you make an "informed consent" to anything.

- Virginia Collins