Table 3

Suggestions for Completion of Evaluation for Involuntary Treatment in Pregnancy

Start with standard forensic approach for forced treatment
    Know the law in your jurisdiction (Rennie or Rogers model)37,38
    Diagnosis
    Rationale for need for treatment
    Reason capacity is lacking
    Determining less restrictive alternatives
Knowledge of literature on fetal and pregnancy complications
Clearly identify harms of no treatment in report; others may focus only on medication harms or may be ignorant of the risks of not treating
Communication with other medical staff (e.g. obstetrics and pediatrics), since risk is outside usual area of forensic expertise
Clearly understand trimesters (for example, the point at which the fetus becomes viable, the medications that may pose a risk during different trimesters/weeks, and the length of time bed-rest needed)