Ethical considerations in prenatal surgical consultation.
When pediatric surgeons counsel the prospective parents of a fetus with a major congenital anomaly, medical and ethical issues may arise in one or more contexts. There may be: (1) issues concerning the possibility of in-utero intervention or termination of pregnancy; (2) issues surrounding the timing, location and mode of delivery; and (3) issues concerning possible operative interventions after the birth. The virtues of compassion, honesty, and integrity should guide the surgeon in helping the parents confront the diagnosis of a fetal malformation. The ethical principles that inform the prenatal consultation should include respect for autonomy, reproductive freedom, beneficence, and justice. Ethical conflict may develop if the pregnant woman chooses a course of action that is inconsistent with traditional pediatric surgical recommendations.
Caniano
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DA
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA.
Baylis
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F
D000328:Adult; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D003376:Counseling; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery; D006801:Humans; D018447:Medical Futility; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D010372:Pediatrics; D010819:Physician's Role; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D014342:Truth Disclosure