Respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. The four main principles of medical ethics that every doctor undertakes to respect. The principles of beneficence and non-maleficence are the precursors in the context of physicians treating cases of suspected child abuse. The principle of beneficence in this context refers to the doctor acting in the best interest of their patient (the child) and non-maleficence refers to the doctor avoiding causing harm to their patients. Although it seems simple, the legal and ethical obligations of doctors regarding child abuse are rather difficult and perplexing. To understand the challenges many physicians face in reporting child maltreatment, one must first identify the maltreatment. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Child abuse can be defined into four different categories, namely emotional, sexual, physical abuse and neglect (Health Service Executive, 2011). Emotional abuse revolves around the relationship between the child and caregiver and occurs when a child's developmental needs are not met (Health Service Executive, 2011). Sexual abuse includes a sexual offense against a child, intentional exposure of the child to pornography, or intentional sexual activity in the presence of the child (Children First Act, 2015). Physical abuse can be defined as actions by a caregiver that cause actual physical harm or are likely to cause harm (World Health Organization, 2002). Neglect is indicated by a parent's failure to have adequate resources to ensure the development of a child (World Health Organization, 2002). As mentioned above, it is the duty of the doctor to act in the best interest of his patients and to avoid causing them harm. With respect to children and according to the law, if a doctor "believes or has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is being harmed, has been harmed, or is at risk of harm as a result of sexual, physical, emotional or of neglect…” the doctor must inform the relevant authorities without delay, as the welfare of the child is of the utmost importance (Medical Council of Ireland, 2016). In these cases, the parents/guardians of the child in question should be informed of the doctor's request to report their concerns, unless doing so could further put the child at risk (Medical Council of Ireland, 2016). Although reporting their findings would constitute a violation of patient confidentiality, protection of the child is justifiable in the eyes of the law as long as there are reasonable grounds to believe that acts of abuse have been committed against the child. against a child (Medical Council of Ireland, 2016). ). Similarly, doctors who report child abuse, who believe their suspicions to be true and act in the best interests of the child, cannot be prosecuted for making false reports (Act Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse, 1998). Upon reflection, this law seems to fall into a very gray area. Although physicians must practice to the fullest extent of the law, there is no doubt that a physician who suspects beyond a reasonable doubt of probable cause that a child may be the victim or become the victim of abuse must report his or her findings. to the Health Services Executive. However, where is the line between what constitutes "grounds"?.