[The phantasm of the perfect child and phantoms of eugenism]

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Prenatal Diagnostics
• Medical Ethics

Context:

• The pursuit of a "perfect child" is a common concern during prenatal diagnosis.
• Parental desires for fetal chromosomal analysis, including amniocentesis, are frequent.
• Defining a "perfect child" is subjective and varies significantly between couples.

Purpose:

• To explore strategies for reducing unnecessary amniocentesis procedures.
• To address the psychological and ethical challenges in prenatal diagnosis.
• To minimize the risk of pregnancy loss associated with invasive diagnostic methods.

Summary:

• Prenatal diagnosis is complicated by subjective parental expectations of a "perfect child."
• Chromosomal analysis and amniocentesis are often requested, posing risks of fetal loss.
• A psychological approach involving dialogue, screening, and ultrasound can help avoid unjustified amniocentesis and associated pregnancy loss.

Impact:

• Aims to decrease the number of invasive prenatal diagnostic procedures.
• Seeks to improve patient counseling and informed decision-making in prenatal care.
• Contributes to reducing preventable pregnancy losses related to diagnostic interventions.