In the context of beneficence and pregnancy/abortion, which obligation is listed?

• A. Obligates doctors to provide treatment to women who present with complications of pregnancy or abortion
• B. Obligates the provision of access to contraceptives and contraceptive advice with which women can protect themselves against unwanted pregnancy
• C. Respect for persons obligates bodily autonomy
• D. None of the above

Answer: (A)

Beneficence means acting to promote the patient’s well-being and to relieve harm. In pregnancy and abortion contexts, a clear, immediate expression of beneficence is the obligation to provide appropriate treatment when a woman presents with complications of pregnancy or abortion. This reflects the physician’s duty to actively help and to prevent further harm, addressing urgent health needs such as bleeding, infection, or incomplete abortion.

The other ideas touch on important ethical principles but not this direct beneficence-based obligation. Providing access to contraception and contraceptive advice fits broader aims of prevention and respecting patient autonomy, rather than the specific act of treating a present complication. Respect for persons and bodily autonomy centers on recognizing and honoring a patient’s rights to make their own decisions, not the duty to treat a medical complication. Therefore, the statement about treating complications best matches the beneficence obligation in this context.