Ethical dimensions of non-aggressive fetal management.
This article discusses the clinical ethics concept of the fetus as a patient, and identifies the implications of this for non-aggressive fetal management. The clinical ethical concept of the fetus as a patient is explained by reference to the ethical principles of beneficence and respect for autonomy. We argue that non-aggressive fetal management is ethically justified when there is a very high probability -- but sometimes less than complete certainty -- about the diagnosis, and either (1) a very high probability of death as an outcome of the anomaly diagnosed, or (2) survival with a very high probability of a severe and irreversible deficit of cognitive developmental capacity as a result of the anomaly diagnosed.
Chervenak
Frank A
FA
Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York, NY 10065, USA. fac2001@med.cornell.edu
McCullough
Laurence B
LB
D026686:Beneficence; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D005328:Fetal Viability; D006801:Humans; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People; D026712:Value of Life; D028761:Withholding Treatment