Respect for autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. The four main principles of medical ethics that every doctor is expected to uphold. The principles of beneficence and non-maleficence are the forerunners in the field of clinicians treating cases of suspected child abuse. The principle of beneficence in this context refers to the doctor acting in the best interests of their patient (the child) and non-maleficence refers to doctors avoiding causing harm to their patients. Although it seems simple, the legal and ethical obligations undertaken by physicians regarding child abuse are quite difficult and perplexing. To understand the challenges faced by many clinicians regarding reporting child abuse, it is necessary to first identify the abuse. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Childhood 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 child and caregiver and occurs when the child's developmental needs are not met (Health Service Executive, 2011). Sexual abuse includes a sexual offense against a child, voluntary exposure of the child to pornography, or voluntary sexual activity while the child is present (Children First Act, 2015). Physical abuse can be defined as acts by a caregiver that cause actual physical harm or have the potential for harm (World Health Organization, 2002). Neglect is indicated by a parent's failure to have adequate resources to provide for a child's development (World Health Organization, 2002). As already mentioned, it is the doctor's duty to act in the best interests of their patients and avoid causing them harm. In relation to children and under the law, if a doctor “believes or has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child has been harmed, has been harmed, or is at risk of harm as a result of sexual, physical, emotional abuse or neglect…” the doctor must report it to the relevant authorities without pause, as the child's well-being 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 this would place the child in further danger (Medical Council of Ireland, 2016). Although reporting findings would be a breach of patient confidentiality, child protection 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 a child (Medical Council of Ireland, 2016). ). Likewise, child abuse reporting physicians who believe what they suspect is true and are acting in the best interests of the child cannot be prosecuted for making false reports (Protection For Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998). Upon reflection, this law appears to fall into a very gray area. While physicians must practice in full compliance with the law, there is no question that a physician who suspects probable cause beyond a reasonable doubt that a child may be a victim or become a victim of abuse must report his or her findings. to the Health Services Executive. However, where is the line drawn for what constitutes “reasonable grounds”? The way the law is written implies a level of subjectivity among professionals. Of course, each case is different and it is the doctor's decision to take further action if they wish; however, the means by which they reach the.