Ethical decision making in first trimester pregnancy screening.
Many couples enter pregnancy without an intricate understanding of the potential maternal and fetal/newborn complications. While it is reasonable for expectant couples to consider only the positive outcomes, it is the role of the healthcare professional to educate the parents on the options for fetal screening and testing. Once couples have this information, it is their opportunity to consider the options according to their beliefs and values. In reviewing the principles of ethics, healthcare professionals will gain a better understanding of their role in the couple's decision making. Recommendations are made for maintaining and improving optimal patient care in first trimester pregnancy screening.
Zindler
Lisa
L
Fairview University Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA. lzindle1@fairview.org
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003142:Communication; D003657:Decision Making / Q000941:ethics*; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000941:ethics* / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics; D009042:Motivation; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First / Q000523:psychology; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000941:ethics* / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D028662:Principle-Based Ethics