[Borderline cases in psychiatry and obstetrics: Ethics consultation as a form of support in complex moral dilemmas]

Ethics consultation in psychiatry helps to reflect on and resolve moral dilemmas, particularly where there is a conflict between patient autonomy and the professional duty of care. In the case of pregnant psychiatric patients, complex borderline situations often arise due to social instability, substance use disorders or mental health crises. Using two case studies - an ambivalent desire for a late-term termination of pregnancy and birth planning in the context of acute psychosis and the threat of compulsory admission - the text highlights the relevance of ethical case discussions. Ethics consultants play an important role in facilitating and mediating these discussions by promoting ethically sound and responsible decision-making through structured communication. In this way, ethics consultation can also help to reduce the moral distress experienced by healthcare professionals.