The intersection of health law and feminist legal theory: choices and autonomy of Vietnamese women in reproductive health

In healthcare, respecting patient autonomy is widely regarded as a fundamental ethical principle, with health communication studies emphasising the importance of patient-centred care based on the principle of respecting patient autonomy. Two critical functions of patient-centred care include engaging patients in decision-making and providing them with the necessary resources for self-management. However, in Vietnam, gender inequality and familial pressure present significant obstacles to women’s reproductive healthcare autonomy. Under the pervasive influence of patriarchal ideology, decisions concerning a woman’s body, including childbirth and abortion, are often not based on her individual will. This article analyzes inequality in healthcare to provide insights into the identity and oppression experienced by women in reproductive healthcare decision-making in Vietnam. It raises critical questions about the current state of women’s autonomy in the contemporary biomedical context, particularly how patient-centred care models are reinforced from a legal perspective. Drawing on feminist legal theory, this article examines perspectives on autonomy and choice in healthcare decision-making. It proposes recommendations for reforming regulations from a feminist legal standpoint, aiming to build a more women-centred reproductive healthcare system that avoids discrimination based on ideological reasons.