The Constitutional Court has issued a ruling that reinforces the right to confidentiality of medical records and respect for the decisions of patients who opt for Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy (IVE).
This decision arises as a result of a case of leakage of confidential information that affected Paula, a woman who reported violations of her right. to privacy and personal autonomy during your IVE process.
The statement, released, establishes that health institutions and professionals involved in medical care processes have the legal obligation to maintain the confidentiality of medical history, without exceptions. The Court stressed that the information contained in these documents is strictly confidential and cannot be disclosed. without the express authorization of the owner or a competent authority.
In the specific case, Paula filed a guardianship after her personal information was leaked to a foundation that tried to persuade her not to undergo the IVE procedure. The leak led to harassment of her and her family through phone calls and WhatsApp messages. The Court determined that this situation constitutes a serious violation of his right to privacy and confidentiality.
You can read: The Attorney General’s Office filed charges against Sneyder Pinilla for participation in politics
Although the Ninth Review Chamber declared the “current lack of the object” because the damage had already been consummated, the Court decided to issue a substantive ruling due to the seriousness of the facts, with the aim of preventing similar situations from being repeated in the future. The Court made it clear that any interference in patients’ autonomous decisions about their reproductive health is inadmissible. In this sense, the doctor who treated Paula was also accused of improperly interfering by suggesting that she reflect on her decision from a religious perspective.
In addition, the Court ordered the IPS involved to carry out an internal investigation to clarify how Paula’s confidential information was leaked. and take the necessary measures against those responsible. The institution was also instructed to offer him psychological and psychiatric support to mitigate the emotional impact derived from the violations of his rights.
The ruling establishes an important precedent in the protection of women’s rights in sexual and reproductive health processes, and reinforces the obligations of health institutions regarding the confidentiality of medical history.
You can read: Disapproval of Petro and economic fear, according to survey