sectioned while pregnant

[janx]

My neighbour is 7 weeks pregnant and has just been sectioned. This is her second time being sectioned - happened a year ago. I am a friend (not really close) of her and her partner and am worried about her. What sort of rights do you have - does her partner have any rights as to what drugs they administer? I don't know much about sectioning - anyone had any experience?

I'm sorry to hear about your friend. Her partner will normally have had a say in her getting sectioned in the first place and she is entitled to have it reviewed.

The decision to section is never taken lightly, it is a last resort. It will have been necessary for her safety and/or that of her baby.

I'm not au fait enough with the law on refusing medical treatment while sectioned to give you any advice there. But those treating her will balance the need to give drugs with the safety of the baby.

Hi,
the best advice I can give is to give her or her partner the number of the local mental health advocate to them. The government has provided statutory independent advocates - who will meet with any person and they need to know the laws and procedures, can explain things, attend meetings with them etc.

Is she in a mother-and-baby unit? I know it is early stage of pregnancy, but if in a long time will offer the right facilities and also provide better safety for her - if other patients not stable they can cause a risk for her and baby's welfare.

Thanks both - one of the problems is she fights against everything - came off her meds against everyone's advice and when the doctors found out she was pregnant they wanted her to go into the mother and baby unit. When she was in before she was attacked by another patient and had some things stolen so is fearful of being back in hospital. She has been smoking dope and drinking alot in recent weeks and seems to be on a very destructive path

Actually, many psychiatrists do not involve partners in treatment of seriously ill patients.

Many psychiatrists treat family and partners with the "mushroom" method. Keep them in the dark and every now and again pour manure over them.

janx - if she fights, then she could see using an advocate as beneficial then

Her behaviours you note do seem of a concern, so although a section not ideal for her I guess they are concerned for the welfare of her and unborn baby.

In most cases, nobody can be sectioned without the agreement of their "nearest relative". I think...

The law us different depending on which part of the UK you are in.
The agreement of the nearest relative may not be needed.
She will have the right to appeal against her section should she wish.

Her partner did agree to the sectioning as he felt she was out of control and doing very unsafe things. He seemed really concerned about the drugs. WE are in London