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Ethics in fetal medicine.
F A Chervenak1, L B McCullough
1New York Hospital--Cornell Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NY 10025, USA.
Summary
This chapter explores ethical dilemmas in fetal medicine, introducing core ethics concepts and applying them to patient care. It discusses the fetus as a patient and examines controversies like routine ultrasound and third-trimester pregnancy termination.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Fetal Medicine
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Ethical considerations are crucial in modern fetal medicine.
- Understanding ethical principles is essential for healthcare providers.
- Fetal medicine presents unique ethical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of current ethical issues in fetal medicine.
- To introduce fundamental ethical language and concepts.
- To apply ethical principles to clinical scenarios in fetal medicine.
Main Methods:
- Introduction to ethical terminology and concepts.
- Application of ethical principles to fetal medicine.
- Discussion of clinical controversies.
Main Results:
- The fetus is increasingly viewed as a patient, impacting counseling approaches.
- Routine obstetric ultrasound raises ethical questions.
- Termination of third-trimester pregnancy presents complex ethical debates.
Conclusions:
- Ethical frameworks are vital for navigating complex decisions in fetal medicine.
- The concept of the fetus as a patient has significant implications for patient care and counseling.
- Addressing clinical controversies requires careful ethical analysis.