Administering pain medication early in labor to prevent a hypertensive spike demonstrates application of which ethical principles?

• A. Beneficence
• B. Autonomy
• C. Beneficence and Non-Maleficence
• D. Justice

Answer: (C)

Beneficence and non-maleficence guide this decision: giving pain relief early in labor to prevent a hypertensive spike is about promoting the patient’s well-being while also reducing the risk of harm. Providing analgesia can ease pain, lessen the maternal stress response, and improve comfort and labor progress, which embodies beneficence—the clinician acts in the patient’s best interest. At the same time, preventing hypertension-related complications protects both mother and fetus, which reflects non-maleficence—avoiding harm. Autonomy matters in terms of the patient’s right to accept or decline treatment, but the scenario focuses on the beneficial and protective intent of the action. Justice, while important in ensuring fair access to care, is not the central issue in this particular clinical decision.