Beneficence in reproductive health includes which obligation?

• A. Providing only emergency contraception
• B. Refusing contraception entirely
• C. Providing access to contraceptives and contraceptive advice
• D. Forbidding contraception altogether

Answer: (C)

Beneficence in reproductive health means actively promoting the patient’s well-being by supporting safe, effective ways to plan and prevent pregnancy and by providing the information needed to make informed choices. Providing access to contraceptives and contraceptive advice does exactly that: it helps individuals prevent unintended pregnancies, discusses options and their pros and cons, and supports autonomy in making health care decisions. This proactive, patient-centered support aligns with doing good for the patient’s current and future health.

Providing only emergency contraception misses the broader preventive care aspect and leaves a key preventive option out of reach. Refusing contraception entirely or forbidding contraception altogether would reduce the patient’s welfare and autonomy, opposing beneficence by unnecessary denial of beneficial care.