A 30-year-old woman with moderate learning difficulties attends the GP accompanied by a support worker. She requests a termination of pregnancy at 8 w...

Question

A 30-year-old woman with moderate learning difficulties attends the GP accompanied by a support worker. She requests a termination of pregnancy at 8 weeks. After careful assessment, the GP determines she has capacity to make this decision - she understands the procedure, risks, alternatives, and consequences. The support worker disagrees and says the woman should continue the pregnancy. Which is the single most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Respect the woman's autonomous decision - she has capacity and is entitled to make her own healthcare choices, including requesting termination

Answer

Follow the support worker's view as they know the patient best

Answer

Refuse the termination because the support worker disagrees

Answer

Refer to the Court of Protection before proceeding

Answer

Contact her next of kin for consent

uk-drcog MCQ (SBA): Capacity and Autonomy - Overriding Carer's View