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.
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA.
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Caniano
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Baylis
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