Unfinished feticide.
A fetus may survive an intentional interference with its intrauterine environment (1) if gestational age is mistaken and the procedure of induced abortion does not kill the fetus, (2) if a change of heart takes place after abortifacient drugs are taken and the abortion does not proceed, and (3) if a high-multiple pregnancy is reduced to a singleton or a twin pregnancy to improve the likelihood that the remaining fetuses will reach viability. In each case, through cause or coincidence, an abnormal baby may be born. The well-intentioned physician, responding to a patient's medical or psychological needs, risks a legal action in negligence or assault brought by a deformed surviving child. This hazard means that medical termination of pregnancy and selective pregnancy reduction put the practising physician at substantial risk in a way not usually associated with induced abortion.
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
R P
RP
Jansen
D000025:Abortion, Eugenic; D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000029:Abortion, Legal; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000209:etiology*; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D015735:Mifepristone / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple
D015735:Mifepristone