Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Bioethical dilemmas in the medical care of pregnant teenagers

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify and to discuss some bioethical aspects involved in medical assistance to pregnant teenagers. Through Integrative Review, it was selected two articles tackling the same chosen theme, contained in the Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (Virtual Health Library) and published between 2010 and 2015. Based on researches, there was a significant decrease in the number of births among adolescents in the last five years. However, the indices are still worrying. As a result, it was found two alternatives in the relationship between doctor and pregnant teenagers: medical ethics and induced abortion, it having the autonomy and not-malfeasance as bioethical dilemmas. The Bioethics provides systematic reflections in the sense of involving the professionals of health and education in sexual and reproductive health and providing assistance tothe young woman, in which preventive measures of an unwanted pregnancy avoid the Incidence of unsafe abortion and, consequently, avoid them to look for clandestine services.

Adolescent; Bioethics; Pregnancy in adolescence; Consequence analysis; Women’s health

Resumo

Este estudo objetiva identificar e discutir dilemas bioéticos na assistência médica a gestantes adolescentes. Trata-se de revisão integrativa, a partir de artigos indexados na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde entre 2010 e 2015. Foram selecionados dois artigos que abordam a temática. De acordo com os estudos, houve queda significativa no número de partos entre jovens nos últimos cinco anos. Contudo, os índices ainda são preocupantes. Em consequência disso, encontraram-se dois eventos na relação médico-gestante adolescente: ética médica e aborto induzido, constando a autonomia e a não maleficência como dilemas bioéticos. A bioética proporciona reflexões sistemáticas ao envolver profissionais de saúde e educação na promoção da saúde sexual e ao dar assistência imediata às adolescentes, incluindo medidas preventivas de gravidez indesejada, com o intuito de evitar incidência de aborto e submissão das jovens a serviços clandestinos.

Adolescente; Bioética; Gravidez na adolescência; Análise de consequências; Saúde da mulher

Resumen

Este estudio tiene como objetivo identificar y discutir algunos dilemas bioéticos en la asistencia médica a adolescentes embarazadas. Se trata de una revisión integradora, a partir de artículos indexados en la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud, entre los años 2010 y 2015. Se seleccionaron dos artículos que abordan esta temática. Según los estudios, hubo reducción significativa en el número de partos de las jóvenes en los últimos cinco años. Sin embargo, los niveles siguen siendo preocupantes. Como consecuencia de esto, se encontraron dos eventos en la relación entre el médico y las adolescentes embarazadas: ética médica y aborto inducido, considerando la autonomía y la no maleficencia como dilemas bioéticos. La bioética ofrece reflexiones sistemáticas al involucrar a los profesionales de la salud y de la educación en el fomento de la salud sexual y al proporcionar asistencia inmediata a las adolescentes, lo cual incluye medidas preventivas de un embarazo no deseado, con el objetivo de evitar la incidencia del aborto y la sumisión de las jóvenes a los servicios clandestinos.

Adolescente; Bioética; Embarazo en adolescencia; Análisis de las consecuencias; Salud de la mujer

According to the Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente (ECA - Statute of the Child and Adolescent) 11. Brasil. Estatuto da criança e do adolescente. Lei nº 8.069, de 13 de julho de 1990, e legislação correlata. 13ª ed. Brasília: Edições Câmara; 2015., adolescence is the period of human life between 12 and 18 years. The Brazilian population is estimated at more than 202 million, of which 8.43 million are female adolescents22. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Estimativas de população residente no Brasil e unidades da federação com data de referência em 1º de julho de 2014 [Internet]. 2014 [acesso 14 jul 2015]. Disponível: http://bit.ly/1nP0qTi
http://bit.ly/1nP0qTi...
,33. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Sinopse do censo demográfico 2010, Brasil. População residente, por sexo e os grupos de idade segundo as grandes regiões e unidades da federação, 2010 [Internet]. 2010 [acesso 14 jul 2014]. Disponível: http://bit.ly/2jsogi3
http://bit.ly/2jsogi3...
. It is assumed that one-third of women in this age group are in the gestational state. Pregnancy during this period, however, is considered inappropriate and of high risk for young women, as their body is still in the process of growth, making it difficult to bear and adequately protect the fetus 44. Silva JLP, Surita FGC. Gravidez na adolescência: situação atual. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2012;34(8):347-50..

Teenage pregnancy can be considered a public health problem, considering the number of pregnant women included in this profile and the high rates of complications such as maternal anemia, fetal distress during childbirth, cephalopelvic disproportion and lesions in the vaginal canal, as well as problems such as a potential increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in this age group 44. Silva JLP, Surita FGC. Gravidez na adolescência: situação atual. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2012;34(8):347-50.

5. Gallo JHS. Gravidez na adolescência: a idade materna, consequências e repercussões. Rev. bioét. (Impr.). 2011;19(1):179-95.
-66. Santos NLAC, Costa MCO, Amaral MTR, Vieira GO, Bacelar EB, Almeida AHV. Gravidez na adolescência: análise de fatores de risco para baixo peso, prematuridade e cesariana. Ciênc Saúde Coletiva. 2014;19(3):719-26.. Some authors attribute this type of pregnancy to factors such as living with a partner, low income, early initiation of a sexual life, the influence of friends and family restructuring 77. Diniz E, Koller SH. Fatores associados à gravidez em adolescentes brasileiros de baixa renda. Paidéia. 2012;22(53):305-14.,88. Constantino CF. Contracepção de emergência e adolescência: responsabilidade e ética. Rev. bioét. (Impr.). 2010;18(2):347-61..

Other authors 99. Aquino EML, Heilborn ML, Knauth D, Bozon M, Almeida MC, Araújo J et al. Adolescência e reprodução no Brasil: a heterogeneidade dos perfis sociais. Cad Saúde Pública. 2003;19(2 Suppl):S377-88. DOI: 10.1590/S0102-311X2003000800019
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X200300...

10. Coleman L, Cater S. “Planned” teenage pregnancy: perspectives of young women from disadvantaged backgrounds in England. J Youth Stud. 2006;9(5):593-614. DOI: 10.1080/13676260600805721

11. Meade CS, Kershaw TS, Ickovics JR. The intergenerational cycle of teenage motherhood: an ecological approach. Health Psychol. 2008;25(4):419-29. DOI: 10.1037/0278-6133.27.4.419
-1212. Moore MR, Brooks-Gunn J. Adolescent parenthood. In: Bornstein MH. Handbook of parenting. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum; 2002. v. 3, p. 173-213., however, do not recognize poverty as a condition of pregnancy in adolescence, assigning the problem to a combination of variables such as alcohol use and early sexual initiation. In any case, family support for adolescents is extremely important if young women are to understand the transformations they face and deal with biopsychosocial changes with maturity and awareness 1313. Godinho RA, Schelp JRB, Parada CMGL, Bertoncello NMF. Adolescentes e grávidas: onde buscam apoio? Rev Latinoam Enferm. 2000;8(2):25-32..

The term “bioethics” began to be used in recent decades through ethical discussions that sought to protect life and the nature of advances in biotechnology. The hegemonic perspective consolidated in this period focuses on areas of biological science and health, referring to four principles of the theory of principlism: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice 1414. Koerich MS, Machado RR, Costa E. Ética e bioética: para dar início à reflexão. Texto Contexto Enferm. 2005;14(1):106-10.. Currently, this field uses a multidisciplinary approach and encompasses the social dimension, being defined as a study of human behavior in questions related to life and death.

In principlism, autonomy corresponds to the self-determination or self-government exercised by each person. Each individual, therefore, must be treated autonomously, as they have the right to make decisions about themselves. Beneficence refers to the duty to help others, promote or do good, maximizing benefits and minimizing risks. Non-maleficence is the opposite of beneficence, as some authors point out, and encompasses the obligation not to harm patients or put them at risk. Finally, justice corresponds to the formal principle of fairness, which determines fair, equitable and universal distribution of social duties and benefits 1414. Koerich MS, Machado RR, Costa E. Ética e bioética: para dar início à reflexão. Texto Contexto Enferm. 2005;14(1):106-10.

15. Meneses JAG. Dilemas bioéticos na prática da anestesia. Rev Bras Anestesiol. 2001;51(5):426-30.
-1616. Muñoz DR. Bioética: a mudança da postura ética. Rev Bras Otorrinolaringol. 2004;70(5):578-9.. Considering the bases of the theory of principlism, as well as the social morality regarding pregnancy in this age group, this study aims to identify and discuss bioethical dilemmas in the medical care provided to pregnant teenagers.

Method

An integrative descriptive review of literature was performed, based on the critical analysis and discussion of articles indexed in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) database and with keywords validated in Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): “Pregnancy in adolescence and bioethics”, “adolescent and bioethics” correlated with the Boolean operator “and”. The survey was conducted between March and September 2015.

An integrative review is a comprehensive method of research for literature reviews, as it allows the inclusion of studies with different methodological approaches in a systematic and orderly manner, facilitating the interpretation of a certain phenomenon. This methodological approach also combines information from theoretical and empirical literature 1717. Mendes KDS, Silveira RCCP, Galvão CM. Revisão integrativa: método de pesquisa para a incorporação de evidências na saúde e na enfermagem. Texto Contexto Enferm. 2008;17(4):758-64..

The following inclusion criteria were used for the selection of articles: to have been published in Portuguese between 2010 and 2015; be free and full access; and contain reflections relevant to the purpose of the work. After applying the inclusion criteria, two articles 88. Constantino CF. Contracepção de emergência e adolescência: responsabilidade e ética. Rev. bioét. (Impr.). 2010;18(2):347-61.,1818. Chaves JHB, Pessini L, Bezerra AFS, Rego G, Nunes R. Abortamento provocado na adolescência sob a perspectiva bioética. Rev Bras Saúde Matern Infant [Internet]. 2010 [acesso 14 jul 2015];10(2 Suppl):S311-9. Disponível: http://bit.ly/2BAKI04
http://bit.ly/2BAKI04...
in Portuguese were selected, as shown in Table 1. Despite the search for articles in internationally disseminated databases, a limited number of publications were found, illustrating the need for more studies on the subject.

Table 1
List of articles with authors and year of publication, title, conclusion and periodical. Jequié, Bahia, Brazil, 2015

Due to the relevance of the study objective, the decision was taken to include other studies 44. Silva JLP, Surita FGC. Gravidez na adolescência: situação atual. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2012;34(8):347-50.,66. Santos NLAC, Costa MCO, Amaral MTR, Vieira GO, Bacelar EB, Almeida AHV. Gravidez na adolescência: análise de fatores de risco para baixo peso, prematuridade e cesariana. Ciênc Saúde Coletiva. 2014;19(3):719-26.,77. Diniz E, Koller SH. Fatores associados à gravidez em adolescentes brasileiros de baixa renda. Paidéia. 2012;22(53):305-14.,1919. Moreira RM, Teixeira SCR, Teixeira JRB, Camargo CL, Boery RNSO. Adolescência e sexualidade: uma reflexão com enfoque bioético. Adolesc Saúde. 2013;10(3):61-71.

20. Taquette SR, Vilhena MM, Silva MM, Vale MP. Conflitos éticos no atendimento à saúde de adolescentes. Cad Saúde Pública. 2005;21(6):1717-25.

21. Taquette SR. Conduta ética no atendimento à saúde de adolescentes. Adolesc Saúde. 2010;7(1):6-11.

22. Oselka G, Troster EJ. Aspectos éticos do atendimento médico do adolescente. Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2000;46(4):306-7.

23. Reddy DM, Fleming R, Swain C. Effect of mandatory parental notification on adolescent girls’ use of sexual health care services. Jama. 2002;288(6):710-4.

24. Risi EE. A magnitude do aborto no Brasil: tendências e estimativas entre 2000 e 2010 [dissertação]. Rio de Janeiro: Escola Nacional de Ciências Estatísticas, Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística; 2012.

25. Almeida RA, Lins L, Rocha ML. Dilemas éticos e bioéticos na atenção à saúde do adolescente. Rev. bioét. (Impr.). 2015;23(2):320-30.
-2626. Angelim RCM, Costa DA, Freitas CMSM, Abrão FMS. Aborto induzido: breves reflexões sob a perspectiva bioética principialista. REDCPS. 2015;1(2):61-5. which, although addressing the theme, were not indexed with the reported descriptors. Six further articles were therefore discussed.

In order to develop this study, the following steps were adopted: choice of theme; delimitation of the problem; critical reading and data discussion; results and conclusion. Immediately after reading, two topics were delineated: induced abortions and medical ethics in the doctor-pregnant teenager relationship.

Results and discussion

Incidence of pregnancy in adolescents

Globally, around 16 million girls between the ages of 15 and 19 and one million children under the age of 15 give birth every year, most of whom live in underdeveloped or developing countries 66. Santos NLAC, Costa MCO, Amaral MTR, Vieira GO, Bacelar EB, Almeida AHV. Gravidez na adolescência: análise de fatores de risco para baixo peso, prematuridade e cesariana. Ciênc Saúde Coletiva. 2014;19(3):719-26.. In Brazil, the pregnancy rate among adolescents has fallen significantly in the first years of this decade. There was a decline from 20.9% in 2011 to 17.7% in 2013, although the ideal target is below 10%. The north and northeast regions of the country had the highest percentages in 2011, with 22.9% and 20.1%, respectively 2727. Ritto C. Gravidez prematura cai no Brasil: maternidade entre os 15 e os 19 anos caiu de 20,9%, em 2000, para 17,7% em 2011, mas ideal seria manter taxa abaixo dos 10%. Veja [Internet]. 17 dez 2012 [acesso 20 maio 2015]. Disponível: http://abr.ai/2C4y8Tu
http://abr.ai/2C4y8Tu...
.

Researchers consider that the reduction in the number of pregnant women in this age group results from improved education and greater opportunities in the labor market. A study by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) confirms this hypothesis, revealing that the reduction in pregnancy in adolescence is a consequence of economic growth and greater employment opportunities 88. Constantino CF. Contracepção de emergência e adolescência: responsabilidade e ética. Rev. bioét. (Impr.). 2010;18(2):347-61.,2727. Ritto C. Gravidez prematura cai no Brasil: maternidade entre os 15 e os 19 anos caiu de 20,9%, em 2000, para 17,7% em 2011, mas ideal seria manter taxa abaixo dos 10%. Veja [Internet]. 17 dez 2012 [acesso 20 maio 2015]. Disponível: http://abr.ai/2C4y8Tu
http://abr.ai/2C4y8Tu...
.

Considering the increase in health education policies aimed at guiding young women in family planning, the national percentage of women who became pregnant between the ages of 30 and 34 increased from 14.4% in 2001 to 18.3% in 2011. These data reinforce the data mentioned. In the south and southeast of Brazil, the percentage of women who had children in this age group is even higher: 19.9% and 20.7%, respectively, which makes it possible to relate pregnancy to schooling, income, employment and the age of pregnant women 2727. Ritto C. Gravidez prematura cai no Brasil: maternidade entre os 15 e os 19 anos caiu de 20,9%, em 2000, para 17,7% em 2011, mas ideal seria manter taxa abaixo dos 10%. Veja [Internet]. 17 dez 2012 [acesso 20 maio 2015]. Disponível: http://abr.ai/2C4y8Tu
http://abr.ai/2C4y8Tu...
.

Medical ethics

Article 74 of the Código de Ética Médica (CEM - Code of Medical Ethics) states that it is forbidden for doctors to breach the confidentiality of adolescent patients, even to their parents or legal guardians, as long as the child demonstrates the ability to understand and solve their problems2020. Taquette SR, Vilhena MM, Silva MM, Vale MP. Conflitos éticos no atendimento à saúde de adolescentes. Cad Saúde Pública. 2005;21(6):1717-25.,2828. Conselho Federal de Medicina. Código de ética médica: confiança para o médico, segurança para o paciente [Internet]. Brasília: CFM; 2010 [acesso 10 abr 2015]. Disponível: http://bit.ly/1ljjiN7
http://bit.ly/1ljjiN7...
. Based on the code, it can be guaranteed that privacy is a guaranteed right, and that minor should be seen by doctors alone, without the presence of parents, if they prefer. This guarantee is established by the confirmation of their legal responsibility, the ability to make decisions about their bodies and the recognition of their individuality.

However, cases in which the adolescent wishes to be accompanied by family members, when they exhibit intellectual disabilities or psychiatric problems, among others, should be considered as exception criteria. In such situations, a breach of confidentiality is required. In such cases, another health professional should be present at the medical clinic, accompanying the adolescent, in order to safeguard the doctor, neutralizing any potential accusation on the part of relatives 77. Diniz E, Koller SH. Fatores associados à gravidez em adolescentes brasileiros de baixa renda. Paidéia. 2012;22(53):305-14.,2121. Taquette SR. Conduta ética no atendimento à saúde de adolescentes. Adolesc Saúde. 2010;7(1):6-11.,2222. Oselka G, Troster EJ. Aspectos éticos do atendimento médico do adolescente. Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2000;46(4):306-7..

Research in the USA has shown that adolescents do not disclose some information when they are denied confidentiality and autonomy2323. Reddy DM, Fleming R, Swain C. Effect of mandatory parental notification on adolescent girls’ use of sexual health care services. Jama. 2002;288(6):710-4.. This situation, which breaks the bond of trust, may interfere in the treatment or continuity of the doctor-adolescent relationship, as, primarily, there is a break in human relations 1919. Moreira RM, Teixeira SCR, Teixeira JRB, Camargo CL, Boery RNSO. Adolescência e sexualidade: uma reflexão com enfoque bioético. Adolesc Saúde. 2013;10(3):61-71.. When the professional realizes that he/she needs to breach confidentiality, the adolescent must be informed in advance. The justifications for this decision should be discussed and weighed with the young person so that they understand the legal reasons that determine such an act. The diagnosis of HIV positive serology is an example, where the patient should be advised of the importance of treatment during pregnancy to avoid transmission to the baby 66. Santos NLAC, Costa MCO, Amaral MTR, Vieira GO, Bacelar EB, Almeida AHV. Gravidez na adolescência: análise de fatores de risco para baixo peso, prematuridade e cesariana. Ciênc Saúde Coletiva. 2014;19(3):719-26.

7. Diniz E, Koller SH. Fatores associados à gravidez em adolescentes brasileiros de baixa renda. Paidéia. 2012;22(53):305-14.
-88. Constantino CF. Contracepção de emergência e adolescência: responsabilidade e ética. Rev. bioét. (Impr.). 2010;18(2):347-61.,2222. Oselka G, Troster EJ. Aspectos éticos do atendimento médico do adolescente. Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2000;46(4):306-7..

Also regarding this issue, there are conflicts between the professional conduct of recording patient information in medical records and the beneficence of maintaining confidentiality about this information. This is due to the easy access of parents and health service professionals to medical records. Consequently, most professionals omit some data and tests to maximize benefits and minimize losses to the adolescent 2323. Reddy DM, Fleming R, Swain C. Effect of mandatory parental notification on adolescent girls’ use of sexual health care services. Jama. 2002;288(6):710-4..

Induced abortion: public health or life-threatening?

Abortion is defined as the end of gestation before the twenty-second week, with the fetus weighing less than five hundred grams, by expulsion or extraction of the conceptual product before its viability 2424. Risi EE. A magnitude do aborto no Brasil: tendências e estimativas entre 2000 e 2010 [dissertação]. Rio de Janeiro: Escola Nacional de Ciências Estatísticas, Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística; 2012..

Unsafe abortion is one of the major problems involved in women’s health, generating numerous sexual and reproductive consequences. Over the years, the rate of induced abortion has been significantly reduced. Yet it is still considered high, with hospitalization caused by inappropriate procedures the main consequence, compromising the physical and psychological health of the adolescent 1818. Chaves JHB, Pessini L, Bezerra AFS, Rego G, Nunes R. Abortamento provocado na adolescência sob a perspectiva bioética. Rev Bras Saúde Matern Infant [Internet]. 2010 [acesso 14 jul 2015];10(2 Suppl):S311-9. Disponível: http://bit.ly/2BAKI04
http://bit.ly/2BAKI04...
,2525. Almeida RA, Lins L, Rocha ML. Dilemas éticos e bioéticos na atenção à saúde do adolescente. Rev. bioét. (Impr.). 2015;23(2):320-30..

Between 2000 and 2010, approximately 2.5 million post-abortion curettage and manual intrauterine aspiration procedures were recorded in Brazil, as reported in Table 1. This method consists of removing placental remnants from the uterine cavity. Analyzing the data in the table, the reduction is clear, also indicating a decrease in the number of abortions 2424. Risi EE. A magnitude do aborto no Brasil: tendências e estimativas entre 2000 e 2010 [dissertação]. Rio de Janeiro: Escola Nacional de Ciências Estatísticas, Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística; 2012..

Table 1
Distribution of hospitalizations related to post-abortion curettage and manual intrauterine aspiration procedures, by year of hospitalization in Brazil, between 2000 and 2010

Many abortions are performed in a clandestine or dangerous manner, such as by the ingestion of chemicals or even the introduction of such substances into the vaginal canal, putting the health of the adolescent at risk. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Figo) defends the bioethical principle of the right of women to autonomy, supporting access to safe abortions, without ethnic or social discrimination, among other issues. As an integral part of this guarantee, Figo also states that governments and authorities must make serious efforts to ensure this right by developing educational activities to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Added to this is the guideline for contraception, when desired, as discontinuation of pregnancy is not a contraceptive method 1818. Chaves JHB, Pessini L, Bezerra AFS, Rego G, Nunes R. Abortamento provocado na adolescência sob a perspectiva bioética. Rev Bras Saúde Matern Infant [Internet]. 2010 [acesso 14 jul 2015];10(2 Suppl):S311-9. Disponível: http://bit.ly/2BAKI04
http://bit.ly/2BAKI04...
.

In adolescence, there is a significant incidence of conflictive situations in which established norms prove insufficient to respond to ethical issues with clarity. The aspects concerning these dilemmas in the practice of abortion in adolescents are affected by various conflicts, ranging from the medical to the religious community. The ethical principles in the care of adolescents in health services refer especially to privacy, confidentiality, secrecy and autonomy, as abortion of adolescents is an ethical public health problem 44. Silva JLP, Surita FGC. Gravidez na adolescência: situação atual. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2012;34(8):347-50.,2020. Taquette SR, Vilhena MM, Silva MM, Vale MP. Conflitos éticos no atendimento à saúde de adolescentes. Cad Saúde Pública. 2005;21(6):1717-25..

It is therefore necessary to work in several sectors of health, especially primary health care, which must act together with society in the promotion, prevention and rehabilitation of health. Thus, among the rights and duties of every individual, the right to sexual and reproductive health must be guaranteed, including through the provision of family planning to prevent unwanted pregnancies. However, due to the number of unplanned pregnancies, the deficiency in planning is clear 2525. Almeida RA, Lins L, Rocha ML. Dilemas éticos e bioéticos na atenção à saúde do adolescente. Rev. bioét. (Impr.). 2015;23(2):320-30..

It is emphasized that, in case of hospitalization for abortion, the adolescent has the right to the protection of confidentiality and health care. The accompanying medical professional cannot notify the police, judicial or prosecutorial authorities. By keeping the information confidential, the doctor exercises beneficence, one of the pillars of bioethics and, consequently, minimizes risks 1818. Chaves JHB, Pessini L, Bezerra AFS, Rego G, Nunes R. Abortamento provocado na adolescência sob a perspectiva bioética. Rev Bras Saúde Matern Infant [Internet]. 2010 [acesso 14 jul 2015];10(2 Suppl):S311-9. Disponível: http://bit.ly/2BAKI04
http://bit.ly/2BAKI04...
,2323. Reddy DM, Fleming R, Swain C. Effect of mandatory parental notification on adolescent girls’ use of sexual health care services. Jama. 2002;288(6):710-4.

24. Risi EE. A magnitude do aborto no Brasil: tendências e estimativas entre 2000 e 2010 [dissertação]. Rio de Janeiro: Escola Nacional de Ciências Estatísticas, Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística; 2012.

25. Almeida RA, Lins L, Rocha ML. Dilemas éticos e bioéticos na atenção à saúde do adolescente. Rev. bioét. (Impr.). 2015;23(2):320-30.
-2626. Angelim RCM, Costa DA, Freitas CMSM, Abrão FMS. Aborto induzido: breves reflexões sob a perspectiva bioética principialista. REDCPS. 2015;1(2):61-5..

Considerations on bioethical dilemmas

Based on the results presented, the rate of adolescent pregnancies remains high. Various analyzes can be made in the light of bioethical principles and concepts, especially considering the beneficence, non-maleficence and autonomy of the adolescent in relation to their sexual and reproductive life. These issues should be weighed and tackled by health professionals and managers in an ethical manner, considering that young women often suffer interpersonal violence from their own family. This situation, still common in several regions of the country, is only a small part of the secondary problems that can affect young women.

The primary dilemmas are of a psychological and biological nature, with induced abortion being one of the main factors of psychological conflict. Pregnancy in this age group severely modifies the body and affects interpersonal relationships in the different social nuclei of the adolescent, such as family, school environment, work and friends. The woman’s own body is unprepared for pregnancy, which can expose the mother and child to risks.

Bioethics, therefore, reflects on the importance of the involvement of health professionals in education and training processes related to the theme, aimed at the well-being of young women. Preventive measures, such as the distribution of condoms and health education, should protect them further, ensuring the full realization of their sexual and reproductive rights. In addition, these measures should be improved, especially in primary care, as a way of promoting health. Finally, and following the bioethical principle of non-maleficence, these initiatives should reduce the incidence of abortion and prevent young women from putting their lives at risk by undergoing clandestine services.

Referências

  • 1
    Brasil. Estatuto da criança e do adolescente. Lei nº 8.069, de 13 de julho de 1990, e legislação correlata. 13ª ed. Brasília: Edições Câmara; 2015.
  • 2
    Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Estimativas de população residente no Brasil e unidades da federação com data de referência em 1º de julho de 2014 [Internet]. 2014 [acesso 14 jul 2015]. Disponível: http://bit.ly/1nP0qTi
    » http://bit.ly/1nP0qTi
  • 3
    Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. Sinopse do censo demográfico 2010, Brasil. População residente, por sexo e os grupos de idade segundo as grandes regiões e unidades da federação, 2010 [Internet]. 2010 [acesso 14 jul 2014]. Disponível: http://bit.ly/2jsogi3
    » http://bit.ly/2jsogi3
  • 4
    Silva JLP, Surita FGC. Gravidez na adolescência: situação atual. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2012;34(8):347-50.
  • 5
    Gallo JHS. Gravidez na adolescência: a idade materna, consequências e repercussões. Rev. bioét. (Impr.). 2011;19(1):179-95.
  • 6
    Santos NLAC, Costa MCO, Amaral MTR, Vieira GO, Bacelar EB, Almeida AHV. Gravidez na adolescência: análise de fatores de risco para baixo peso, prematuridade e cesariana. Ciênc Saúde Coletiva. 2014;19(3):719-26.
  • 7
    Diniz E, Koller SH. Fatores associados à gravidez em adolescentes brasileiros de baixa renda. Paidéia. 2012;22(53):305-14.
  • 8
    Constantino CF. Contracepção de emergência e adolescência: responsabilidade e ética. Rev. bioét. (Impr.). 2010;18(2):347-61.
  • 9
    Aquino EML, Heilborn ML, Knauth D, Bozon M, Almeida MC, Araújo J et al. Adolescência e reprodução no Brasil: a heterogeneidade dos perfis sociais. Cad Saúde Pública. 2003;19(2 Suppl):S377-88. DOI: 10.1590/S0102-311X2003000800019
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2003000800019
  • 10
    Coleman L, Cater S. “Planned” teenage pregnancy: perspectives of young women from disadvantaged backgrounds in England. J Youth Stud. 2006;9(5):593-614. DOI: 10.1080/13676260600805721
  • 11
    Meade CS, Kershaw TS, Ickovics JR. The intergenerational cycle of teenage motherhood: an ecological approach. Health Psychol. 2008;25(4):419-29. DOI: 10.1037/0278-6133.27.4.419
  • 12
    Moore MR, Brooks-Gunn J. Adolescent parenthood. In: Bornstein MH. Handbook of parenting. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum; 2002. v. 3, p. 173-213.
  • 13
    Godinho RA, Schelp JRB, Parada CMGL, Bertoncello NMF. Adolescentes e grávidas: onde buscam apoio? Rev Latinoam Enferm. 2000;8(2):25-32.
  • 14
    Koerich MS, Machado RR, Costa E. Ética e bioética: para dar início à reflexão. Texto Contexto Enferm. 2005;14(1):106-10.
  • 15
    Meneses JAG. Dilemas bioéticos na prática da anestesia. Rev Bras Anestesiol. 2001;51(5):426-30.
  • 16
    Muñoz DR. Bioética: a mudança da postura ética. Rev Bras Otorrinolaringol. 2004;70(5):578-9.
  • 17
    Mendes KDS, Silveira RCCP, Galvão CM. Revisão integrativa: método de pesquisa para a incorporação de evidências na saúde e na enfermagem. Texto Contexto Enferm. 2008;17(4):758-64.
  • 18
    Chaves JHB, Pessini L, Bezerra AFS, Rego G, Nunes R. Abortamento provocado na adolescência sob a perspectiva bioética. Rev Bras Saúde Matern Infant [Internet]. 2010 [acesso 14 jul 2015];10(2 Suppl):S311-9. Disponível: http://bit.ly/2BAKI04
    » http://bit.ly/2BAKI04
  • 19
    Moreira RM, Teixeira SCR, Teixeira JRB, Camargo CL, Boery RNSO. Adolescência e sexualidade: uma reflexão com enfoque bioético. Adolesc Saúde. 2013;10(3):61-71.
  • 20
    Taquette SR, Vilhena MM, Silva MM, Vale MP. Conflitos éticos no atendimento à saúde de adolescentes. Cad Saúde Pública. 2005;21(6):1717-25.
  • 21
    Taquette SR. Conduta ética no atendimento à saúde de adolescentes. Adolesc Saúde. 2010;7(1):6-11.
  • 22
    Oselka G, Troster EJ. Aspectos éticos do atendimento médico do adolescente. Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2000;46(4):306-7.
  • 23
    Reddy DM, Fleming R, Swain C. Effect of mandatory parental notification on adolescent girls’ use of sexual health care services. Jama. 2002;288(6):710-4.
  • 24
    Risi EE. A magnitude do aborto no Brasil: tendências e estimativas entre 2000 e 2010 [dissertação]. Rio de Janeiro: Escola Nacional de Ciências Estatísticas, Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística; 2012.
  • 25
    Almeida RA, Lins L, Rocha ML. Dilemas éticos e bioéticos na atenção à saúde do adolescente. Rev. bioét. (Impr.). 2015;23(2):320-30.
  • 26
    Angelim RCM, Costa DA, Freitas CMSM, Abrão FMS. Aborto induzido: breves reflexões sob a perspectiva bioética principialista. REDCPS. 2015;1(2):61-5.
  • 27
    Ritto C. Gravidez prematura cai no Brasil: maternidade entre os 15 e os 19 anos caiu de 20,9%, em 2000, para 17,7% em 2011, mas ideal seria manter taxa abaixo dos 10%. Veja [Internet]. 17 dez 2012 [acesso 20 maio 2015]. Disponível: http://abr.ai/2C4y8Tu
    » http://abr.ai/2C4y8Tu
  • 28
    Conselho Federal de Medicina. Código de ética médica: confiança para o médico, segurança para o paciente [Internet]. Brasília: CFM; 2010 [acesso 10 abr 2015]. Disponível: http://bit.ly/1ljjiN7
    » http://bit.ly/1ljjiN7

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Jan-Apr 2018

History

  • Received
    5 May 2016
  • Reviewed
    12 Sept 2017
  • Accepted
    14 Sept 2017
Conselho Federal de Medicina SGAS 915, lote 72, CEP 70390-150, Tel.: (55 61) 3445-5932, Fax: (55 61) 3346-7384 - Brasília - DF - Brazil
E-mail: bioetica@portalmedico.org.br