This assignment will challenge you to explore your personal values, examine ethical decision making, and how to utilize a code of ethics to help in decision making.
Jennifer is a 25-year-old female who presents to the emergency room by ambulance. She is currently unresponsive but stable at the time she is transferred to the emergency department. The first responders are not exactly sure what is going on; however, they report witnessing drug paraphernalia close by. They are unsure of who called 911 because no one else was on the scene when they arrived. As part of her work up, you order a drug test, and since Jennifer is in childbearing years, a pregnancy test is also requested. When the lab results return, they indicate that Jennifer has opiates, alcohol, and nicotine in her system. They also reveal that she is pregnant, so a subsequent ultrasound is performed, which confirms that Jennifer is 16-weeks, gestational age. As the treating practitioner, the decision on how to proceed is up to you. However, a colleague states that you must call the Department of Child and Families (DCF), and notify law enforcement, since Jennifer is committing a crime by harming her unborn child.
1. What would be your initial reaction to this case? Reflect on your personal values, and how this would impact your initial thoughts.
1. What are reactions to your co-worker’s thoughts on contacting DCF?