ABSTRACT
The discipline of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) is unique in that it encompasses all aspects of women's health, including the medical and surgical management of the female patient. It is very much about families, parents and their infants. The global indicators of the health of women and their newborns, as exemplified in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has been at the forefront in the assessment of quality of health and standard of living, especially in low-resource countries. Women with gynecological conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease and malignancy often present late in their clinical course, and their treatment options are limited in resource poor settings. Cultural understanding and preparation in OB-GYN must also include consideration of varied international laws in the area of reproductive health, and how they apply in the specific setting. There are many ethically challenging situations in OB-GYN.
