6 september 2024
In the article, the authors discuss the challenges within obstetric care in the Netherlands when pregnant women deviate from medical guidelines. The authors cite two cases involving a woman with specific requirements that deviate from guidelines and a vulnerable woman with little support. The authors emphasise that although patients have a right to information under the Dutch Medical Treatment Agreement Act (WGBO) before agreeing to treatment, meeting deviant wishes is often time-consuming. They argue for clear limits to self-determination, where the safety of mother and child should be central and healthcare providers should share their time fairly.