Agree, but explain that they are in a position to disagree with the doctor’s recommendation

By agreeing to drive, I am supporting the autonomy of the community members and respecting the decision to engage with the doctors in a biomedical intervention. If the choice to go to the hospital is made freely, ethically, I should support it, regardless of what I think myself.

However, if my friends in the community have been convinced by the doctor to take on unnecessary travel and medical expenses, helping them might actually not be supporting their self-determination. Instead, it may be supporting their lessening autonomy in the birth process and their increased surveillance by biomedical practitioners. Hopefully, my discussion with them will address this violation and provide them with information and support to challenge their doctor should they choose to do so.

Beneficence:
This choice has many potential benefits for the family, who is the most vulnerable in this situation. First, my speaking with them gives them another option for thinking about what is best for them. Also, knowing that they have my support in this way, and in the practical sense of providing the vehicle, may provide a beneficial piece of mind. It is unknown if this option would provide benefits to mom and baby ultimately, but it has potential to do so. However, it could also cause harm if the drive and/or hospital stay goes less than smoothly.

This choice benefits me as a researcher in that I am able to agree to provide a service for a family that has assisted me greatly with my research. I will likely be considered to be generous and kind. Personally, I benefit through being able to share my opinion.

Justice:
Providing autonomy and access to this family may be seen as upholding justice. It is just for every mother, regardless of location or socio-economic status, to be given equal opportunities to receive whatever care they choose. Providing the ride upholds this ethical principle.

My Decision:
This was the option I chose. I wanted to be sure that my friends and informants knew that they could question the doctor’s opinion and make other choices- and I hoped that they would. I did, however, agree to uphold their wishes and help them go to the hospital if that was what they wanted or needed to do. I was able to voice my opinion and try to share the benefits of it without compromising their autonomy or access. As it turns out, the baby made this whole dilemma moot! He came after less than an hour of mild labor. Mom barely had time to get home from her friend’s house before he arrived- happy and healthy at home. His arrival in this way was a relief to everyone!