Table 3.

Determine the Patient’s Decisional Capacity

Question: Can the patient’s refusal be attributed to carelessness or unwanted attitude toward the fetus, an irrational fear, a lack of understanding, and/or a psychiatric disorder? Action: Evaluate the patient’s decisional capacity during the course of the conversation. Action: If necessary, request a psychiatric consultation, but realize that this may go against your ability to retain patient trust and a good relationship. Action: You may find that it is appropriate to seek a surrogate decision maker, such as a guardian, spouse, adult child, or parent.