Ethical issues in intrauterine diagnosis and therapy

This essay considers ethical problems raised by recent developments in intrauterine diagnosis and therapy. Diagnostic and therapeutic innovations applicable to the previable fetus and to the possibly viable or viable fetus are briefly described. A central ethical issue prior to viability is whether intrauterine therapy for fetal health problems should be attempted or whether selective abortion should be chosen as an alternative. Beyond viability, an important question is the extent to which a pregnant woman is morally obligated to accept risks to her own life or health for the sake of the fetus.