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Inside the Ethics Committee

Factual: Health & Wellbeing

Religion & Ethics

Joan Bakewell and a panel of experts wrestle with the ethics of a real-life medical case.

Joan Bakewell is joined by a panel of experts to wrestle with the ethics arising from a real-life medical case.

BBC Radio 4 FM

Inside the Ethics Committee: Series 8

Inside the Ethics Committee: Series 8: Episode 3: Preventing Pregnancy in Homeless Women

Episode 3

Episode 3: Preventing Pregnancy in Homeless Women

Series 8

Preventing Pregnancy in Homeless Women

BBC Radio 4 - Inside the Ethics Committee, Series 8, Preventing Pregnancy in Homeless Women

To what lengths should a medical team go to encourage homeless women to avoid pregnancy?

Pregnancy is not uncommon in homeless women, and their children are often taken into care. To what lengths should a medical team go to encourage them to avoid unwanted pregnancies?

The number of people sleeping rough on Britain's streets is rising, and the need for supported housing continues. But providing a roof over someone's head is just the start.

A nurse specialist, working in day centres and hostels, provides health services to the homeless. It's an ideal opportunity to try to engage with clients, who usually fall under the radar of a general practitioner. 

Physical health problems associated with living outside are common, and many suffer from mental health problems and drug addiction. 

Women who find themselves on the streets are particularly vulnerable to assault, and sex work often provides a means of escaping the streets, and also funding a drug addiction.

The chaotic nature of these women's lives means they are often reluctant to accept the nurse's help. Getting these women to use regular contraception is a particular challenge.

Pregnancy is not uncommon among homeless women and their children often end up in care. Despite the terrible trauma this causes, women still find it difficult to use regular contraception.

What lengths should the sexual health team go to to encourage these women to avoid unwanted pregnancies?

Producer: Beth Eastwood.

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A panel of experts tackle the ethics involved in a real hospital case

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Inside the Ethics Committee

Series 8

Episode 3: Preventing Pregnancy in Homeless Women

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