The bioethics of preterm labour.
Until recently, bioethics (ethics related to biology or, more specifically, in the context of preterm labour, medical ethics) was considered mainly to relate to the active treatment or investigation of patients. Collection of data, excised specimens or even whole organs was considered to be relatively uncontentious as it did not impinge directly upon the health of the individual concerned. However, in the UK in particular, the practice of collecting data, tissues or even whole organs has recently come under the spotlight of public scrutiny, particularly following the Alder Hey Enquiry. Coincidentally with a decline in public confidence in the probity of authority, medical scientists increasingly have to justify the accumulation of data about individuals.
Steer
Philip
P
Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NH, UK.
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D026688:Bioethical Issues; D016494:Computer Security / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature; D011247:Pregnancy; D015145:Tocolysis / Q000941:ethics; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006113:United Kingdom; D014481:United States
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D015149:Tocolytic Agents