Summary

In this study session you have learned that:

1. Rights and obligations are two terms that are inseparable. If there is a right claimed by some individuals then there will also be somebody else’s obligation to fulfill that claim. For instance, if a pregnant woman requests antenatal care you have a moral obligation to provide that service.
2. Some rights are legally enforceable and others are ethically or morally important, although not backed up by the weight of the law.
3. Obligations can similarly be either morally or legally enforceable. Although some obligations may not be legally enforceable it doesn’t mean that they should not be considered to be necessary.
4. Health professionals have an obligation to provide safe and competent services to individuals, families and their whole community. This includes an acceptable level of respect, confidentiality and accountability.