NAVIGATING THE COMPLEXITIES OF ABORTION: AN EXPLORATION OF THE RIGHTS OF INTERESTED PARTIES, DOCTOR-PATIENT DYNAMICS, AND THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY CONTEXT

Doctor – Patient relationship is not a new concept in medical practice and ethics -it is the foundation of medical practice. The concept governs the interaction between doctors and patients. This relationship is integral in the practice of healthcare delivery, in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. This research discussed the evolution of this relationship, rights and duties of doctors and patients and existing challenges in achieving a smooth relationship. The research methodology adopted was the doctrinal legal research methodology. Findings showed that there were factors that inhibited the realization of doctor-patient relationship; some were doctor related, while others were patient related and others were factors outside the doctors and patients. Recommendations were made on how to improve on this relationship. These include training and retraining of doctors, introduction of simplified patient health education and establishment of a comprehensive health insurance policy, among others