John Seymour is Adjunct Professor of Law at The Australian National University, Canberra

• 1. Introduction ; PART I: THE CURRENT LAW ; 2. Legal Intervention when a Fetus is Threatened or Harmed ; 3. Elements of a Negligence Action in Obstetrics and Midwifery ; 4. Negligent Treatment in Obstetrics and Midwifery ; 5. Negligent Failure to Provide Appropriate Information in Obstetrics and Midwifery ; 6. Other Actions in Obstetrics and Midwifery ; 7. The Assessment of Damages ; PART II: ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF THE LAW ; 8. The Legal Status of the Foetus ; 9. A Question of Autonomy? ; 10. Applying the Law of Negligence ; 11. After Birth: Maternal Liability for Antenatal Conduct? ; 12. The Duty of Care in Obstetrics and Midwifery ; 13. The Reality of Negligence Actions and the Need for Reform ; 14. Conclusion: The Role of the Law ; Glossary of Medical Terms ; Glossary of Legal Terms

This is a unique scholarly review of relevance to healthcare providers, particularly obstetricians and midwives and also lawyers... provides a valuable resource for anyone who wants to know what the law is. It is... by no means simply an academic review, and offers much practical advice... the book is absorbing, easy to read and is fully referenced. I would strongly recommend it as essential reading for those responsible for risk management, but it is a highly relevant subject tackled so well, that anyone could expect to enjoy learning from it whether they are in training or fulfilling continuous professional development.

John Seymour is Adjunct Professor of Law at The Australian National University, Canberra

• 1. Introduction ; PART I: THE CURRENT LAW ; 2. Legal Intervention when a Fetus is Threatened or Harmed ; 3. Elements of a Negligence Action in Obstetrics and Midwifery ; 4. Negligent Treatment in Obstetrics and Midwifery ; 5. Negligent Failure to Provide Appropriate Information in Obstetrics and Midwifery ; 6. Other Actions in Obstetrics and Midwifery ; 7. The Assessment of Damages ; PART II: ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF THE LAW ; 8. The Legal Status of the Foetus ; 9. A Question of Autonomy? ; 10. Applying the Law of Negligence ; 11. After Birth: Maternal Liability for Antenatal Conduct? ; 12. The Duty of Care in Obstetrics and Midwifery ; 13. The Reality of Negligence Actions and the Need for Reform ; 14. Conclusion: The Role of the Law ; Glossary of Medical Terms ; Glossary of Legal Terms

This is a unique scholarly review of relevance to healthcare providers, particularly obstetricians and midwives and also lawyers... provides a valuable resource for anyone who wants to know what the law is. It is... by no means simply an academic review, and offers much practical advice... the book is absorbing, easy to read and is fully referenced. I would strongly recommend it as essential reading for those responsible for risk management, but it is a highly relevant subject tackled so well, that anyone could expect to enjoy learning from it whether they are in training or fulfilling continuous professional development.

John Seymour is Adjunct Professor of Law at The Australian National University, Canberra

• 1. Introduction ; PART I: THE CURRENT LAW ; 2. Legal Intervention when a Fetus is Threatened or Harmed ; 3. Elements of a Negligence Action in Obstetrics and Midwifery ; 4. Negligent Treatment in Obstetrics and Midwifery ; 5. Negligent Failure to Provide Appropriate Information in Obstetrics and Midwifery ; 6. Other Actions in Obstetrics and Midwifery ; 7. The Assessment of Damages ; PART II: ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF THE LAW ; 8. The Legal Status of the Foetus ; 9. A Question of Autonomy? ; 10. Applying the Law of Negligence ; 11. After Birth: Maternal Liability for Antenatal Conduct? ; 12. The Duty of Care in Obstetrics and Midwifery ; 13. The Reality of Negligence Actions and the Need for Reform ; 14. Conclusion: The Role of the Law ; Glossary of Medical Terms ; Glossary of Legal Terms

This is a unique scholarly review of relevance to healthcare providers, particularly obstetricians and midwives and also lawyers... provides a valuable resource for anyone who wants to know what the law is. It is... by no means simply an academic review, and offers much practical advice... the book is absorbing, easy to read and is fully referenced. I would strongly recommend it as essential reading for those responsible for risk management, but it is a highly relevant subject tackled so well, that anyone could expect to enjoy learning from it whether they are in training or fulfilling continuous professional development.