Dublin, March 16, 2018—Every patient is different, every obstetrician is different and there is no single best obstetric provider.
The Irish Doctors Association (IDA) is the medical profession’s umbrella body and aims to represent the best of all medical practices across the country.
“Every patient and every obstetrics practitioner has a unique set of requirements, some of which are set out in our code of practice.
Our members have the best interests of patients and of their doctors at heart.
We want to make sure that we have a network of trusted and experienced doctors in the area to support them in their work,” says Dr Helen Smith, President of the IDA.
“As members of the Doctors Association, we seek to ensure that the best practices we set out are followed.
These include the importance of accurate, up-to-date medical records, including any potential pregnancy complications, and the care of patients in hospital.”
The most important thing to do is to have all the information you need, from your GP, to make an informed decision about the type of care you will receive.
“The IDA is not opposed to the use of contraception but says that a decision to use birth control is not one that can be taken lightly.
The IDA urges all obstetricians to discuss the choice of birth control with their patients and advises that they should inform the woman about the contraceptive option when possible.”
Dr Smith says that the IDAs position is clear. “
The IDAs code of conduct states that any obstetric practitioner may refuse to prescribe a contraceptive or to offer treatment for it.”
Dr Smith says that the IDAs position is clear.
“We have made it very clear that there is an obligation on obstetricists to inform women about any contraceptive, whether they are offered it or not, and that is why it is so important that women are fully informed,” she says.
The National Contraceptive Advisory Service is set up by the IDDAS in July 2018.
It offers free and confidential consultations with obstetric providers across the State.
A free phone consultation is available for women over the age of 18.
The IDDAs Code of Practice is available at www.iddas.ie/dossier.aspx.