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Ethical issues on pregnancy termination: impact of new imaging modalities.
- Source :
-
Fetal diagnosis and therapy [Fetal Diagn Ther] 2011; Vol. 30 (1), pp. 1-8. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Mar 03. - Publication Year :
- 2011
-
Abstract
- Objective: To explicate the ontological statuses of both the fetus and neonate as a basis for clinical ethical judgments about the obligations of both physicians and pregnant women to protect the life and health of both the fetus and the neonate.<br />Methods: Despite drastic changes in perinatology, there is still a legal separation between fetuses and neonates. Neonatal status remains specific because of the prohibition of 'transgressing human life'. Nevertheless, the concept of a 'prenatal human being' recently emerged. While new technologies blur the fetus/neonate borderline, why is it still legal in many European countries to terminate a fetal life in the late stages of pregnancy? One might even support the idea that what is authorized before birth should also be after, thereby 'fetalizing' neonates.<br />Results: The 'personalistic' approach is against this 'fetalization', considering that terminating a neonate life is 'transgressive'. The 'utilitarian' model considers we cannot decide what is good for someone else, which justifies terminating the life of neonates who are not persons yet. A phenomenological view supports the ontological difference on our perceptions, differing whether we observe ultrasound fetal images or real neonatal pictures.<br />Conclusion: This does not mean the weight of fetal images should be underestimated.<br /> (Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1421-9964
- Volume :
- 30
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Fetal diagnosis and therapy
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 21372556
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1159/000324540