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Maternal-fetal conflict
S J Fasouliotis1, J G Schenker
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah University Hospital, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
Summary
Maternal-fetal conflicts arise when a pregnant woman's wishes conflict with medical recommendations for fetal benefit. Ethical debates continue regarding respecting maternal autonomy versus intervening for the fetus.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Obstetrics
- Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Advances in prenatal care recognize the fetus as a patient.
- Pregnant women typically follow medical advice for fetal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the ethical complexities of maternal-fetal conflicts.
- To examine the balance between maternal autonomy and fetal beneficence.
Main Methods:
- Review of ethical viewpoints on maternal-fetal conflicts.
- Analysis of legal and ethical considerations in obstetric decision-making.
Main Results:
- Situations involve interventions, non-interventions, or coercive influences.
- Physicians face a dilemma between maternal autonomy and fetal benefit.
- Ethical stances range from respecting autonomy to allowing intervention.
Conclusions:
- Court-ordered interventions raise concerns about privacy, autonomy, and informed consent.
- Ongoing debate exists on the extent of physician's role in maternal-fetal conflicts.
Keywords:
Genetics and Reproduction