Ethical decisions in fetal medicine and neonatal intensive care

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics (2006) report Critical Care Decisions in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine: Ethical issues addressed three areas of concern to professionals and the public: fetal medicine, the borderline of viability, and critical care decision making for babies receiving intensive care. Common principles and initial recommendations for professional practice are presented in the report which is based on wide consultation. While many professionals may feel that the report re-iterates current good practice, it also demonstrates inequity and inconsistency in practice across the country. Royal Colleges and other interested parties need to act to address these inconsistencies and further develop consensus guidelines. The need for transparency in decision making and for a true partnership approach to all aspects of fetal and neonatal care is reaffirmed, with recommendations for action by government and professional bodies as well as by professionals delivering obstetric and neonatal care and their educators.