What should a midwife do if a patient refuses medication?

Respecting the patient's decision to refuse medication is fundamental to ethical healthcare practice, particularly within midwifery, where patient autonomy and informed consent are paramount. The midwife's role includes providing comprehensive information about the benefits and risks of the medication, so the patient can make an informed choice that aligns with her values and preferences.

When a patient declines medication, it is the midwife's responsibility to ensure that the patient understands the potential consequences of this decision while also supporting her autonomy. This fosters a collaborative environment where the patient feels respected and empowered in her care decisions.

While other options may touch on aspects of patient care, they lack the focus on respecting autonomy. For instance, overriding a refusal can lead to ethical concerns and potential harm to the patient-care relationship. Informing the patient solely about legal implications or merely documenting the refusal without additional context could undermine the relationship and does not actively support the patient in making an informed choice. Thus, the best approach is to honor the refusal while providing the necessary information for the patient to feel confident in her decision.