Bioethical issues in perinatology--is the future now?
The rapid progress of the science of perinatology has produced a broad range of capabilities in our approach to the fetus. Advances in diagnostic methodology, both invasive and noninvasive, enable early identification and potentially, early correction, of a multitude of disorders. The laboratory correlates of this progress have kept pace, with possibilities in the areas of fetal surgery and genetic manipulation which seemed fantasy only a few years ago. Important moral issues which had been deferred because of our physical limitations must now be addressed. As instigators of the scientific stampede, perinatologists must assume a major role in the ethical inquiry as well.
Harman
C R
CR
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
D001675:Bioethics; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D010500:Perinatology / Q000639:trends*; D011247:Pregnancy