Problem: A young woman in the early stages of pregnancy has a disfiguring case of acne. She has recently read about a new medication thatwill cure the condition and requests a prescription from her doctor. After the doctor consults the medical literature he finds that the drug has the potential to harm the fetus. He informs the patient of the problem however the woman wants to take the chance and demands a prescription for the new medication.
What are the (2) ethical issues posed by this situation?
What should the doctor do?
Why? (Support with ethical principles)