title: Ethics of birth at the limits of viability: the risky business of prediction.
abstract: Infants born at the limits of viability present neonatologists in particular and society in general with difficult challenges. Ethical and legal considerations establish a framework for action, although this varies between countries, departments and individuals and shows dynamic changes over time. This brief review includes a vignette telling a familiar story. In this case, the parents ask searching questions and the caring, knowledgeable neonatologist uses up-to-date information to offer empathic and thoughtful guidance - a challenge for all.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatology, Ziv Medical Center, Bar-Ilan University, Tsfat, Israel.
authors.forename: Eric S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Shinwell
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D005328:Fetal Viability; D006801:Humans; D062071:Infant, Extremely Premature; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009359:Neonatology / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010820:Physicians / Q000941:ethics*; D011379:Prognosis