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Prenatal informed consent for sonogram: an indication for obstetric ultrasonography
F A Chervenak1, L B McCullough, J L Chervenak
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, NY 10021.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Prenatal informed consent for obstetric ultrasonography, based on patient autonomy, should be a primary indication for its use. This autonomy-based indication deserves equal clinical weight as beneficence-based reasons for performing ultrasounds.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Obstetrics
- Radiology
Background:
- Obstetric ultrasonography is widely accepted when clinically indicated based on beneficence.
- Routine use of ultrasonography for all pregnant women lacks consensus.
- Patient autonomy is a key ethical principle in medical decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To argue that prenatal informed consent for sonogram should be a standard indication for obstetric ultrasonography.
- To advocate for equal consideration of autonomy-based indications alongside beneficence-based ones.
Main Methods:
- Ethical analysis of clinical indications for obstetric ultrasonography.
- Review of existing guidelines and ethical principles.
- Argumentation based on patient autonomy and standard of care.
Main Results:
- Prenatal informed consent is a valid autonomy-based indication for obstetric ultrasonography.
- This indication should be prioritized in clinical judgment.
- Qualified personnel should perform ultrasounds when indicated by informed consent.
Conclusions:
- The standard of care in obstetrics should recognize prenatal informed consent as a primary indication for ultrasonography.
- Autonomy-based indications, such as informed consent, must be weighed equally with beneficence-based indications.
- This approach ensures patient-centered care in obstetric imaging practices.