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First trimester prenatal diagnosis: earlier is not necessarily better
1Department of the University of Rhode Island, Kingston.
Journal of Medical Ethics
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) offers early prenatal diagnosis but carries emotional costs. These include higher abortion rates, potential for sex selection, and increased pressure on women, which must be weighed against its benefits.
Area of Science:
- Medical diagnostics
- Prenatal screening
Background:
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a newer prenatal diagnostic method.
- CVS is often favored over amniocentesis due to its first-trimester performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the disadvantages of chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and early prenatal diagnosis.
- To weigh the emotional costs against the benefits of early prenatal diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
- Analysis of emotional and societal implications of early prenatal diagnosis.
Main Results:
- CVS is associated with a higher rate of spontaneous and selective abortions.
- The use of CVS for sex selection presents ethical concerns.
- Increased societal pressure on women to undergo prenatal diagnosis is a potential drawback.
Conclusions:
- The advantages of early prenatal diagnosis via CVS must be carefully considered alongside its significant emotional and societal costs.
- Ethical implications regarding abortion rates and sex selection require thorough examination.