[Prenatal diagnosis of non-viable fetuses caused by developmental disorders--an indication for abortion for fetal reasons?]

Between October 1st 1983 and January 31st 1986 we diagnosed various anomalies on 116 foetuses at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Klinikum Grosshadern, Munich. In 103 cases we made a correct diagnosis. This group of patients included 45 non-viable foetuses. Severe anomalies of the foetal central nervous system and lethal dwarfism were diagnosed correctly. On the other hand, antenatal diagnosis of bilateral nonfunctional kidneys and non-correctable cardiac malformations poses problems. We feel that in the case of a definitive prenatal diagnosis of an anomaly for which there is no known medical treatment and which is not compatible with life, the decision as to further procedure should be made at this stage. Before 24 weeks gestation, termination of pregnancy on foetal grounds should be discussed with the parents. Thereafter, preterm labour is preferable to the dangers of obstructed labour at term and should be conducted without foetal monitoring.