Codes of perinatal ethics: an international perspective.
The research on different aspects of perinatal medicine offers valuable avenues into developmental biology and medicine that could markedly improve therapy of the pregnant patient and premature and newborn babies. Research with all sources of human cell stems should be supported to provide new therapeutic modalities. This research should be regulated, peer reviewed, and ethically controlled. The range of ethical questions raised by new scientific achievements in the life science, and methods of taking care of women's health especially, have been debated by international political and professional bodies. Biomedical ethical issues, guidelines, principles, and regulations cut across national boundaries and often have universal implications. Although cultures differ, certain values are common to all. In this context, the most important value is respect for human dignity, and this should not be negotiable. The establishment of international and interdisciplinary forums in which scientists and lay people can exchange views on topics of immediate concern, unhampered by administrative, political, or other considerations, was needed. They are intended especially for the discussion of the scientific and technical bases of advances in biology and medicine and other related areas and their social, economic, ethical, administrative, and legal implications. Commissions appointed by institutions, governments, and international bodies serve to alleviate the medical profession from making ethical decisions and to protect human subjects from any harm. The deliberations of these committees are usually followed by guidelines of operation, which in many cases have become abiding law. For these committees to be of full advantage, they must convene promptly as issues arise so as not to delay medical advances from being implemented.
Schenker
Joseph G
JG
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical Center, PO Box 12000, Jerusalem IL-91120, Israel.
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000941:ethics; D001926:Brain Death; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000941:ethics; D032781:Codes of Ethics; D028741:Ethics Committees, Clinical; D005260:Female; D033042:Fetal Research / Q000941:ethics; D006077:Government Agencies; D006805:Human Experimentation / Q000941:ethics; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007390:International Agencies; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000941:ethics; D010500:Perinatology / Q000941:ethics*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000941:ethics; D028761:Withholding Treatment / Q000941:ethics