Maternal–Fetal Conflict: Court-Ordered Cesarean Section

Abstract

Advances in prenatal care have created areas of conflict between the pregnant woman and her fetus. Court orders mandating cesarean section have denied to pregnant women rights that are accorded to all other competent adults in the United States. The caregiver-patient relationship can become adversarial in such situations. Nurses participating in the decision-making process when judicial involvement is being considered must be informed about the issues.