Quote:
Originally Posted by Etoile
It's not the interpreter's job to make sure the law is being followed, especially in a situation where there is another professional (the doctor) present. Especially in a minor situation like this - it's absolutely not your role to step in here. The only time there is a gray area is with regard to child abuse - and I'm not talking about a 19 year old knocking up a 16 year old. Even the topic of child abuse is under debate - I believe ethically we should not report it, but many states require legally that we do. You are right about possible conflicts, especially the fact that it is an abortion setting that the interpreter may not agree with. But I would say that coming out of role is the wrong thing to do, and reporting it is definitely not your responsibility.
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JMHO (as a client)
I'd hope it's the doctor's responsibility to determine to contact the authorities. The interpreter acts as a means of conveying information between to parties that can't otherwise reasonably converse - not to decide whether the situation they're interpreting is moral, ethical or "fair" - I have to trust you not only to convey my words, but to keep them safe... if I can't I'm constantly questioning if I can "afford" (not meaning $$) to have an interpreter there. I'm sure this puts interpreters in a horrible position sometimes - but if that girl can't trust her interpreter to keep confidential what is said/done ... she might cease looking for medical care all together. Worse ... if the boyfriend, father, mother, cousin whomever beats her ... she might not call an interpreter for any variatey of things from then on - because of what might happen "when she gets home" if the interpreter snitches on her ... I know it's horrible
JMHO