[Prenatal diagnosis. Ethics - counselling.].
During the last years great progress has been made in the field of prenatal diagnosis. The possibility of monitoring the growth, development and well being of a child in the womb is priceless and can offer the mother a sense of security regarding the pregnancy. But the growing technology leads at the same time to various questions and discussions and it is good for all those who are a part of the maternal care to think about them. Is it unquestionable to eliminate all those fetuses that are diagnosed with an abnormality of any kind? Where would such a development lead us? Are we, with the means of a continuing better technology, bit by bit "eliminating" certain groups within the society? Is it to be an unquestioned "routine" or even duty, that every woman should be subjected to those diagnoses that are possible? We have within the field of ethics many different views on those questions. One view stresses the complete freedom of abortion. Another demands that all life should be protected, and a fetus should never be terminated, even if it is sick or disabled. The author of this article wants to demonstrate the rule of the sanctity of all life, that all human life should be respected, that this rule should always be applied within the field of medicine. At the same time it should be stressed that this respect for life is not always best given by sustaining and saving all life. Death is not always the worst choise. We must evaluate each and every case, that each and every parents to be should make their own decision based on their own ethical views, after having received appropriate information, professional support and counselling. It is important that professionals deal with these matters with respect for life and respect for the parents who already have disabled children and the disabled themselves. All the prenatal diagnosis which is available may lead to that parents to be have to take difficult decisions regarding the pregnancy. It is therefore of the utmost importance that a pregnant woman and her partner should know the meaning and purpose of the prenatal care which is offered and that they are fully aware of the decisions they may have to face. If the results are not in the favor of the fetus, the couple should receive the support and care whatever their decision may be.
Malmberg
I
I
Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Landspitali University Hospital, Hringbraut, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. ingilm@landspitali.is.