THE RANZCOG

CODE OF ETHICAL PRACTICE

Developed by

The Royal Australian and New Zealand Obstetrics and

Gynaecology Bioethics Working Group

November 2001, revised May 2006

Section 2.7 Ratified by the Board, May 2015
 THE RANZCOG
CODE OF ETHICAL PRACTICE
This code was developed in 2001 as a result of a
resolution of the 2000 Annual General Meeting,
and reviewed in 2006. It was developed by the
College's Bioethics Working Group, chaired by
Dr John Palmer.
College motto
Excellence in Women’s Health
Vision statement
The RANZCOG will pursue excellence in the
delivery of health care to women throughout
their lives.
Mission statement
The RANZCOG will achieve its Vision by
innovative training, accreditation and continuing
education supported by active assessment of the
effectiveness of those programs. The College
will actively support and communicate with
Fellows, Members and Trainees in order to ensure
that they are capable, professionally,
psychologically and physically, of providing the
highest standards of care.
The College will support research into women’s
health and will act as an advocate for the health
care of women and their families, forging
productive relationships with individuals,
government health authorities and non-
government health organizations, the community
and professional organisations both locally and
internationally.
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Compliance
Members are morally obliged to comply with this
Code of Ethics. The College has the power,1 at
its discretion, to counsel, censure, suspend or
expel members for breaches of this code.
The principles set out in this document are
intended to aid Trainees, Members, Fellows and
Diplomates in maintaining a high level of ethical
conduct. They are standards by which a doctor
may gauge the appropriateness of her/his conduct
in relationships with patients, colleagues, other
professionals and members of the public.
The Code of Ethics is designed to complement
the Recommendations on Ethical Issues in
Obstetrics & Gynaecology, issued by the FIGO
Committee for the Ethical Aspects of Human
Reproduction and Women’s Health.2 The reader
is asked to refer to the bibliography below for a
list of other relevant documents.
1
Under Article 19(a), the RANZCOG Memorandum and
Articles of Association.
2
The FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and
Obstetrics) Committee for the Ethical Aspects of Human
Reproduction and Women’s Health considers the ethical
aspects of issues that impact on the discipline of obstetrics,
gynaecology and women’s health. The Recommendations on
Ethical Issues in Obstetrics & Gynaecology represents the
result of carefully researched and considered discussion.
This material is not intended to reflect an official position of
FIGO, but to provide material for consideration and debate
about these ethical aspects of our discipline for member
organisations and their constituent membership.
 Key principles
The following key principles apply to all sections
of the Code of Ethics. The latter sections
illustrate the application of the principles in a
range of contexts and situations that doctors may
encounter in the course of their professional
lives.
Positive action to benefit
The doctor/patient relationship shall be
characterised by the doctor’s concern for the
benefit of the patient.
The relationship shall be characterised by non-
maleficence; where the doctor acts in a manner
that minimises harm to the patient. The
relationship must be characterised by mutual
respect for the autonomy of the patient and the
doctor; nothing in relationship should violate or
compromise natural justice.
Equality
The doctor shall strive wherever possible to
ensure equality of healthcare for all patients, and
advocate for such equality.
Advancement
Doctors, both individually and through their
professional associations, must take responsibility
for the creation and implementation of
mechanisms designed to encourage continuous
improvement in the quality of health care.
Veracity
The doctor/patient relationship shall be
characterised by veracity; that is, the doctor
shall deal honestly with the patient, and seek to
nurture a doctor/patient relationship in which the
patient may fully disclose all relevant
information. The doctor should also acknowledge
that, in health care, medical errors that injure
patients do sometimes occur. Whenever patients
are injured as a consequence of medical care,
patients should be informed promptly, because
failure to do so seriously compromises patient and
societal trust.
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Confidentiality
The doctor/patient relationship shall be
characterised by confidentiality; that is, within
the limits of the law and the relevant protocols
of the College, the patient may have complete
confidence that the doctor will safeguard patient
information and confidences.
Competence
The doctor shall conscientiously maintain the
contemporary professional knowledge and skills
necessary to the medical services he or she
renders.
Collegiality
The doctor shall maintain membership of the
College, relate professionally to other College
members and uphold the dignity of the
profession and respect for the profession.
Trusteeship
The College, through its members, shall maintain,
advance and convey its specialist body of
knowledge to future generations.
Economy
The College, through its members, shall
encourage and participate in practices and
research which optimise benefit for resource use.
Advocacy
The doctor shall be an advocate for safe, cost
effective, high quality health care, accessible to
all, and for appropriate allocation of health care
resources.
Conscience
No doctor or patient shall be compelled to act
contrary to moral conviction or religious belief,
except as required by law.
 1. Doctor conduct and practice
The doctor should:
 recognise the boundaries of her or his
particular competencies and expertise;
 provide only those services and use only
those techniques for which he/she has
been accredited by an organisation
professionally and publicly recognised
as being competent to provide such
accreditation;
 participate in continuing professional
development relevant to the maintenance
of knowledge or skills necessary to
medical services he/she renders; and
 use new/emergent techniques only after
appropriate training and accreditation in
their use. In unproven areas of medical
treatment, the doctor should adhere to
guidelines established by the relevant
national or institutional body and other
relevant professional organisations. In the
absence of such guidelines the doctor
should take appropriate precautions to
protect patient welfare.
It is incumbent upon all medical professionals to
persuade an impaired colleague whose
professional performance is of concern to seek
appropriate professional help. If this is not acted
upon voluntarily by the impaired professional, it
is the duty of her/his colleague to report the
impairment to the appropriate authority (for
example, the relevant medical board).
1.1 Relationships with medical
professionals
Doctors should work closely with their
colleagues in order to monitor and maintain their
awareness of the quality of care provided.
Such a relationship should exhibit:
 fairness,
 honesty,
 integrity and
 consultation and cooperation with other
professionals to the extent necessary to
serve the best interests of patients.
1.2 Relationships with other Health
Care Professionals

Any promotional activities or material should In order to maintain the highest level of clinical
foster trust and mutual respect among health care, the doctor should maintain an open and
professionals and enhance the dignity of the professional relationship with all workers in the
profession. The doctor should not misrepresent health care environment. There should be:
herself or himself in any publicity or
advertisement. He/she should not criticise any  clear communication with respect for
other professional colleague in any untruthful, privacy and confidentiality;
misleading or deceptive manner to patients,  cooperation, collaboration and
colleagues, other health care professionals or the teamwork;
general public as stated in the ‘Advertising of  understanding; and
Medical Services’ section of the
RANZCOG/NASOG Practice Handbook.
 due regard to the effectiveness of care
and the use of resources.
The doctor who suspects that he or she may be
infected with a serious infectious agent that
might be transferred to patients should
voluntarily be tested for such agents and should
avoid clinical situations that may lead to the
transfer of infection. Where infection is
confirmed the practitioner should adhere to the
fundamental professional obligation to avoid
harm to patients.

The doctor should not practise medicine while

impaired by alcohol or drugs or while practice is
compromised by physical or mental disability.
The impaired practitioner should seek
appropriate assistance to address these problems.

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 2 The patient-doctor relationship
2.1 Nature of relationship
The relationship between doctor and patient
arises out of a need or request for health care and
the placing of the doctor in a position of trust by
the patient.
The welfare of the patient is the focus of the
relationship. The special responsibilities of the
doctor arise from the patient’s need for
information and care. Intrinsic to the relationship
is the doctor’s respect for the humanity and
dignity of patients.
The patient may be vulnerable, or feel
vulnerable, in the relationship. This should be
recognised, respected and not exploited
physically, emotionally, financially, or in any
other way.
Good and ongoing communication is the key to
effective medical practice.
2.2 General approach
Doctors should act in the best interests of their
patients.
Doctors should recognise and respect the
diversity of value and belief systems and under-
standings of health and illness in a multicultural
society. They should endeavour to ascertain and
respond sensitively to the needs of the individual,
including her/his social and cultural needs.
Doctors should not discriminate against any
patient (for example, on the basis of age,
gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
disability, nature of illness, lifestyle, beliefs,
religion, political affiliation or socioeconomic
status). The doctor should not impose her/his own
moral/religious values on the patient.
2.3 Preliminary
Doctors should introduce themselves and explain
their role and that of any other party involved in
care and respect any objection by the patient to
such involvement.
Doctors should ensure that patients are informed
(for example, with a printed information sheet)
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about likely costs of consultation and treatment
prior to embarking on a therapeutic relationship.
2.4 History and examination
Doctors should consider the information
provided by women, and listen and respond
sensitively to their questions and concerns.
Where examination is indicated, doctors should
ensure that:
 an adequate explanation is provided
about the nature of an examination and
the information that it will provide;
 the patient has the opportunity to decline
examination;
 consent is obtained, especially for breast
and/or pelvic examination;
 privacy is provided for disrobing;
 suitable cover is provided during
examination, for example, gown and
cover sheet; and
 a chaperone is available to attend any
patient undergoing physical examination
when requested, irrespective of the
gender of the doctor.
3
2.5 Information and treatment
Doctors should provide information in a form and
manner that is relevant to the patient’s
circumstances, personality, expectations, fears,
beliefs, values and cultural background. It is
desirable that a professional interpreter is
involved in care when translation is necessary.
Information should be sufficiently comprehensive to
enable women to:
 understand their own situation/condition;
 be aware of the risks and benefits of
investigation and treatment, including
the option of no investigation and/or
treatment; and
 make considered judgments to accept or
decline investigation and/or treatment
options.
Doctors should ensure adequate opportunity for
patients to ask questions and discuss alternatives.
3
RCOG Guidelines, September 1997
 Where complementary and alternative medicines
are used by the patient, the doctor should be 2.8 Records and confidentiality
respectful of the patient’s decision to use these
treatments and the cultural context in which such Doctors should maintain records that allow for
treatments may be used. continuity of care and evaluation of therapeutic
outcomes.
Doctors should offer advice, where appropriate,
without coercion. Doctors have a responsibility to protect the
confidentiality of all information relevant to their
Doctors should provide for continuity of care patient. This responsibility, however, operates in
during any periods of leave and ensure that a broader context and will, at times, be
patients are aware of how to access such care. overridden by other responsibilities. The
circumstances in which such responsibilities may
arise include when the health and safety of
2.6 Further opinion / referral others is at risk, when required by law, or when
necessary for the best care of the patient.
Doctors should offer or arrange a further opinion
and/or ongoing care with another suitable Where doctors are legally required to release in-
practitioner if: formation about a patient, the patient should, if
reasonably practicable, be advised beforehand of
 the patient requests this; the reasons and the information to be released.
 the therapy required is beyond the
individual doctor’s expertise or For audit and research purposes aimed at
experience; improving the health care system, only securely
de-identified information should be used.
 the therapy required is in conflict with the
doctor’s personal belief/value system.
2.9 Personal relationships with
If a doctor wishes to discontinue care of a
patients
particular patient, he/she must make appropriate
referral and with the patient’s consent
Doctors should not engage in sexual contact of
communicate relevant information to the new
any kind with patients. Such behaviour is an
practitioner.
abuse of professional power, a violation of trust
and, in many cases, a violation of civil or
Doctors should not unreasonably refuse to accept
criminal law.
referral or provide care; this applies particularly
in an emergency or if no other appropriate
Doctors should take care to avoid behaviour
practitioner is available.
which might reasonably be interpreted by patients
as demeaning or as a sexual advance, including
comments or innuendo of a sexual nature, or
2.7 Financial and Commercial Dealings
questioning on sexual matters which is
unnecessary for clinical purposes.
Doctors are entitled to charge a reasonable fee for
their professional services. The patient should be
fully informed of the estimated cost of a service.
2.10 Care of relatives and friends
This should form part of the informed financial
consent procedure. The patient should be given the
Doctors should avoid treating family members
opportunity to decline the service in a timely
because both care and relationships can be
manner and, if necessary, assisted in obtaining
compromised. If required to take on this role in
alternative medical care.
an emergency or when other medical care is not
accessible, consultation, record-keeping and
Professional fees should be reasonable, taking into
follow-up should be formalized.
account the professional service and the prevailing
standard of fees.
Similar caution and professionalism when
treating close friends should be exercised.
The practitioner should declare any pecuniary
interest. Doctors shall not take undue financial
advantage of a patient.

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 3 Conflict of interest
3.1 Introduction
A conflict of interest exists when a person
entrusted with the interests of a patient, other
individuals or the public violates that trust by
promoting her/his own self-interests or the
interests of third parties. Conflicts of interest
may be financial, professional, personal or
religious. Multiple interests may pull people in
different directions but a conflict of interest
exists when such interests compromise known
obligations and interfere with objective
professional judgement.
The nature of modern medical practice lends
itself to potential conflicts of interest. Listed
below are examples of areas where conflict may
occur.
 Pecuniary and other interests which may
lead to a conflict of interest should be
declared in all situations.
 Options offered and recommendations
made should not be influenced by
differences in fees for the various
procedures.
 Marketing or advertising for personal
gain should not overturn recommending
an appropriate procedure.
Doctors must resolve such conflicts in accordance
with the best interests of the patient. While the
interests of colleagues, employers and the
community are important, they are secondary to
those of the patient.
The potential for conflict of interest exists in
many aspects of obstetric and gynaecological
practice. There will be some similarity in the
nature of the potential conflict in these areas.
Pecuniary interests can lead to conflicts in each
area. Declaration of interests can ameliorate the
conflict, but it will sometimes be necessary for
Fellows to distance themselves from the event
leading to the conflict if there is the capacity to
cause harm.
In relation to conflict of interest occurring
outside the immediate doctor/patient
relationship, e.g, in the context of a meeting:
 the convenor of a meeting should be ad-
vised of memberships in, or association
  Page 7 of 12
with, other organisations that could lead
to conflict of interest and they should be
recorded in the minutes;
 upon discussion of any issue in which the
individual has an interest, this interest
should be declared and recorded in the
minutes; and
 if the resolution of the issue might lead
to direct benefit to the individual, the
individual must advise the convenor of
the meeting that he/she cannot
participate in the discussion and seek
advice from the convenor as to whether
he/she should withdraw and have this
recorded in the minutes.
3.2 Whistle blowing
Occasionally doctors will find themselves
concerned about the professional conduct of an
individual or organization. In such a case, attempt
should be made to redress the situation. If the
matter is not resolved, or if satisfactory progress
has not been made, it should be taken to the
appropriate authority.
3.3 Care and management
Doctors should ensure that care and management
is:
 based solely on the medical needs of the
patient;
 not influenced by incentives from
pharmaceutical companies or other
medical entities; and
 not determined on the basis of personal
profit.
Doctors should advise patients of any research
interest in treatment and consultations should
include discussion about conflicts that may arise
as a result of belief differences, for example,
religious and cultural differences.
When a woman is pregnant there is a duty to
consider the health of the woman and the fetus.
The woman’s informed decisions about the
relative value of her own health and well being
and that of her fetus must be respected.
 3.4 Research and publications
If doctors intend researching or publishing on a
field of their specialty, then they should:
 disclose any financial or other benefit
from recruitment of patients to clinical
trials;
 advise colleagues of any pecuniary
interests before commencing research;
and
 disclose details of commercial funding of
research when publication results.
See also 4.4.
3.5 Employment
Doctors should, as a matter of course:
 declare their other practice interests;
 advise of any pecuniary interests or
associations that may compromise ability
to practice;
 agree not to compete commercially with
one’s employer (for example,
inappropriately diverting public patients
to private care); and
 agree not to use information gained in
exercise of normal duties for personal
gain.
3.6 Teaching
If a patient is to be examined by a
trainee/registrar under the supervision of a doc-
tor, then the supervising doctor should:
 be aware that he/she is responsible for the
competent performance of the trainee in
delivering care;
 disclose the role of the trainee to the
patient;
 not allow trainees to carry out procedures
that will conflict with the best interests of
the patient or for which the trainee has
not been adequately prepared; and
 make every effort to provide maximal
operative and clinical experience for, and
suitable supervision of, the trainee.
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3.7 Resource allocation
Although a doctor must make the interest of the
patient his or her first concern, conflicts may
arise when the needs of the individual and the
needs of a population of patients cannot both be
met. Where the best possible treatment cannot be
provided, the reasons should be discussed with
the patient and documented. The rationalisation
of health care resources should be transparent
and, where possible, dictated by established
guidelines, research and audit.
3.8 Relationships with the
pharmaceutical industry
The responsibilities of doctors to their patients in
regard to pharmaceuticals include:
 a need to keep up to date with
information about new pharmaceutical
agents and changed information about
existing ones to assist with appropriate
prescribing;
 to monitor and report any adverse effects
of pharmaceutical agents;
 to engage directly or to support research
into new pharmaceutical agents or
applications of existing ones.
Carrying out of these activities will bring doctors
into contact with the pharmaceutical industry.
Activities of the pharmaceutical companies
include sponsorship of meetings and educational
activities, sponsored travel and accommodation
to attend meetings, gifts and payment of
researchers. To minimise the effect of such
activities on prescribing behaviour, a doctor
should:
 decline any gift, sponsorship or
hospitality that may affect, or be seen
to affect, his or her judgement; and
 in the conduct of medical research,
declare any financial sponsorship to re-
search ethics committees, to research
participants and in any publication or
meeting presentation resulting from the
research.
 4 Responsibility to the College
4.1 Competence
In order to maintain their competency and
performance standards, doctors should:
 participate in educational activities
relevant to the area of practice to
maintain competence and performance;
 maintain awareness of the quality of care
that is endorsed by the College as current
best practice;
 participate in a regular and systematic
medical and clinical audit and, where
indicated, act on the results of the audit;
 comply with such standards produced or
endorsed by the College;
 respond constructively to assessments
and appraisals of one’s professional
competence and performance; and
 Give medico legal opinion only in
accordance with the principles of the
RANZCOG Expert Witness Register.
4.2 Education
The doctor in his/her professional reading should
critically evaluate authorship, reliability of in-
formation and be alert to conflicts of
interest.
Doctors should:
 accept responsibilities for teaching,
training and mentoring colleagues;
 ensure that students and colleagues are
properly supervised;
 be honest and objective when assessing
the performance of those under their
supervision/responsibility; and
 participate in developing educational
resources.
4.3 Discipline
Doctors should:
 be aware of and observe contemporary
laws, regulations and statutory codes of
practice affecting their standard of care;
  Page 9 of 12
 observe professional ethical obligations;
 accept the profession’s self-imposed
discipline;
 permit assessment of professional
competence by a professional
association, hospital or peer review
committee;
 encourage colleagues who are impaired
or behave illegally or unethically to seek
help and, if necessary, inform the
relevant authorities; and
 cooperate with appropriate disciplinary
authorities.
4.4 Research
Where patients are to be approached to consider
participation in research, doctors should:
 ensure that the research has been
properly approved by a human research
ethics committee;
 satisfy themselves that the research is of
value;
 ensure that informed consent is obtained;
and
 ensure that patients understand their right
to refuse or to withdraw at any time
without prejudice or penalty.
If research is undertaken involving patients or
volunteers, the doctor should:
 conduct and report on all research with
honesty and integrity;
 follow all aspects of the research
protocol;
 ensure that the research is not contrary to
the individual participant’s best interests;
and
 report evidence or concerns of fraud or
misconduct in research to the appropriate
body.
See also 3.4.
4.5 Acting as an advocate for the
profession in public
The College, through its members, should
stimulate and foster the trust and confidence of
patients and of the community. Members should
be prepared to support the profession in public
 and to demonstrate the profession’s integrity. In
this respect, doctors should:
 be available to make informed, responsible
public comment on topical issues within their
area of expertise, if requested by appropriate
organisations, so that the profession can
contribute to informed public debate;
 acknowledge the authority they represent,
when giving public comment, and
differentiate clearly between personal opinion
and representative comment; and
 address concerns about questionable
competence, impairment or unethical or
illegal behaviour, usually by involving
appropriate authorities.
See also 5
4.6 Occupational health and safety
issues
Doctors should promote the health and safety of
individuals in the workplace environment.
In addition to maintaining safe work practices (for
example, infection control and safe working
hours), doctors should:
 communicate to others any significant
observations concerning their health and
safety;
 promote a workplace environment free from
unlawful discrimination and sexual
harassment;
 behave respectfully toward others in the
workplace environment. In the event of
differences, opinions shall be expressed
honestly, discreetly and in professional
language;
 promote professional behaviour and help to
resolve disputes between fellow workers; and
 provide ethical and professional support to
colleagues.
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5 Advocacy
See also 4.5
Doctors have an ethical duty to act as advocates
for women’s health care. They have a duty to:
 give information and options that enable
women to make informed decisions regarding
their health;
 give support and guidance on health policy that
will improve women’s health;
 seek the provision of appropriate (best
possible) resources for the management of their
patient’s needs;
 monitor and publicise indices of reproductive
health and provide data to sensitise the public
to health issues and the rights of women;
 inform the community about women's health
(including sexual and reproductive health) in
order to positively promote health practices
and legislation;
 promote practice based on best available
evidence;
 work with and liaise with community and
professional groups (medical associations,
lawyers, educators, etc) on women’s health
issues;
 identify social and cultural needs and ensure
that essential health services are available for
those women with distinctive social and
cultural needs; and
 support development of, adequate funding for,
and proper evaluation of new therapeutic
techniques and procedures.
Doctors should ensure that all conduct in the
practice of the profession is above reproach, and
that no physical, sexual, emotional or financial
advantage is taken of any patient.
Women may be vulnerable because of gender,
ethnicity, and socioeconomic or cultural
circumstances. Justice requires that all be
treated with equal consideration, irrespective of
socioeconomic and ethnic status.
5.1 Social responsibilities
Doctors should acknowledge their responsibility
in matters relating to public health and safety,
health education, environmental health and
 legislation affecting the health or well-being of
the community. Specifically, they should:
 demonstrate a high level of integrity and
propriety;
 contribute to community life using their
distinctive professional skills and experience;
 contribute to health education;
 recognise a responsibility to assist in arriving
at a just decision, for example, when acting as
a witness for a court or tribunal;
 assist in the development of health policy;
 support voluntary activities and service
provision in local and global communities;
 promote and protect public health;
 contribute to environmental protection;
 use health care resources prudently; and
 refuse to participate or support practices that
violate human rights.
Practitioners also have a responsibility to
maintain their own health and healthy work
patterns. Doctors should:
 maintain fitness and physical and mental
health;
 seek health care where appropriate; and
 ensure adequate rest, recreation and
vacations.
5.2 International responsibilities
Doctors are expected to retain all ethical
standards when visiting or working outside their
home country. Specifically they should:
 practice within the boundaries of their
training and experience and in keeping with
local resources, cultural imperatives and legal
frameworks; and
 promote the development of medical
expertise in developing countries.
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6 Special Cultural Considerations
The RANZCOG respects and gives due regard to
the Indigenous peoples of Australia and New
Zealand, and their health, cultures and histories.
In Australia and New Zealand Indigenous
women have experienced social, cultural and
health inequity, and the RANZCOG
acknowledges that advocacy for and
improvements in Indigenous health are important
aspects of health-care services.
6.1 Australian Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Peoples
Doctors should be aware of the impact of their
own culture and cultural values on the delivery
of services, and have knowledge of, respect for
and sensitivity towards the cultural needs of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In
this context, doctors need to be able to apply the
competencies and characteristics articulated in
the RANZCOG Curriculum to the specific needs
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The RANZCOG considers that the delivery of
health care and the formation of health-care
policy warrants special attention, and involvement
by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Doctors should also endeavour to involve
Indigenous women in the planning, delivery and
evaluation of women’s health care.
6.2 New Zealand Maori
In New Zealand there is a special relationship
between the “Tangata Whenua” (Maori People)
and the Crown. The Treaty of Waitangi was
signed in 1840 to provide governance and
protection for Maori. It forms the basis of
present New Zealand society, hence its articles
must underpin Maori health strategies and
research. Principles are derived from the Treaty
to reflect the spirit of the Treaty and its original
aims and enable contemporary application. There
are three such principles which are partnership,
participation and protection:
 Non Maori working together with Maori to
develop policies and strategies for Maori
health gains and research
  Involving Maori at all levels of the sector
in planning, development and delivery of
health services and research policies
 To ensure that Maori “Tikanga” (values
and practices) are safeguarded and that
Maori enjoy the same level of health as
other New Zealanders.
Maori concepts of health are important in
dealing with Maori patients. As with all
Indigenous People faced with western
influence, there are different patterns of ill
health. In general, the Maori approach to
illness is holistic and not just physical. The
spiritual side is strong and the role of the
family (whanau) in support and decision
making is important. Cultural customs and
mannerisms may influence the medical
consultation, and the doctor needs to be
sensitive to these.
  Page 12 of 12
Bibliography
FIGO Committee for the Ethical Aspects of
Human Reproduction and Women’s Health
Recommendations on Ethical Issues in
Obstetrics & Gynaecology (2000)
FIGO Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
Concerning Sexual and Reproductive Rights
NHMRC ethical guidelines
Medical Council of New Zealand Statements
General Medical Council Guidance on good
practice
RCOG Guidelines
Bioethics Working Group Members:
Dr John Palmer, Chairman, MB BCH BAO
MProfEthics FRCOG FRANZCOG
Dr Chris Bayly, MD BS MPH FRANZCOG FRCOG
Emeritus Professor Max Charlesworth, AO MA
PhD
Dr Andrew Child, MB BS FRCOG FRANZCOG
Associate Professor Wayne Gillett, MBChB MD
FRCOG FRANZCOG CREI
Dr Alastair Haslam, MBChB FRANZCOG FRCOG
Dr Eleanor Long, AUA BEd (postrgrad) PhD MACID
Professor Con Michael, AO MBBS MD FRCOG
DDU MAcMED FAcMed FRANZCOG
Reverend Dr James McPherson, BSc (Hons) BTh
(Hons) MLitt, PhD
Dr Anne Robertson, MBChB (Edin) MRCOG
FRANZCOG FAChSHM Diploma in Applied Ethics
(Waikato)
Ms Kathy Sanders
Dr Irene Shaw, BA PhD
Professor William Walters, PhD FRCOG MBBS
FRANZCOG