Problem
Scenario: You are a social worker at a mental health center that provides individual and group counseling for a wide range of problems and issues. Your client, Cheyenne, age 14, is depressed and potentially suicidal. During one of their individual counseling sessions, Cheyenne tells you that she is sexually active. She states that if she gets pregnant with her current boyfriend, she will kill herself. Cheyenne asks you to help her get some form of contraception, possibly from Planned Parenthood. Cheyenne indicates that her boyfriend refuses to use condoms because he says he doesn't like to feel restricted. You know Cheyenne's parents are very religious and are fervently against premarital sex. They would never consent to Cheyenne using contraception and would vehemently oppose your interference in this matter.
1) Discuss the ethical dilemma you think is presented in the case.
2) Cite the NASW (2021) ethical values and standards you think are applicable to the case, and provide a justification as to why the values/standards are applicable.
3) Discuss your plan of action in response to the case. What would you do?
4) Discuss how your plan of action is congruent or incongruent based on your values and perspectives.
5) Reflect on the experience of responding to these ethical dilemmas. Was this experience easy or difficult? Why?
6) How do you think being sexually active, potentially getting pregnant, and trying to please her boyfriend affects Cheyenne's life and well-being?
7) How will values and opinions around birth control, pregnancy, and abortion influence one's work with Cheyenne?