Ethical & Professional Guidelines
for Obstetricians & Gynaecologists in India

Consent & Patient Autonomy — The NMC Code of Ethics recognises that every competent adult patient has the right to make decisions about her own body. Consent must be informed, voluntary, documented, and free of coercion by family members, hospital staff, or financial pressures.

Law & Legislation — Indian Obs-Gyns operate within a dense statutory framework including the PCPNDT Act, MTP Amendment Act 2021, ART Regulation Act 2021, and Surrogacy Regulation Act 2021. Non-compliance carries criminal penalties and loss of medical registration.

Professional Conduct — The NMC Code of Ethics sets standards for honesty, transparency, and integrity in all professional interactions — from documentation and referral to advertising and financial relationships with industry.

Clinical Standards — FOGSI evidence-based protocols define minimum standards for obstetric and gynaecological care. Adherence to these standards is both an ethical obligation and a medico-legal safeguard.

Patient Rights & Confidentiality — Every patient is entitled to dignity, accurate information, and privacy. The NMC Code of Ethics treats breach of confidentiality and discrimination as serious professional misconduct.

Administration & Continuing Education — Accurate medical records and mandatory CME are not optional administrative tasks — they are ethical duties that protect patients, support medico-legal defence, and ensure the practitioner remains current with evolving guidelines.