Ethical dimensions of non-aggressive fetal management: a UK perspective.

摘要

Issues around managing the non-viable fetus have to be seen from a variety of perspectives. The priority should, in my opinion, be the perspective of the mother who usually carries the primary responsibility - which can be an onerous burden especially if the child is abnormal — for bringing up the child, but also that of her family (partner and any siblings of the fetus, and sometimes an extended family). Less of a priority, but not to be neglected, is the perspective of the medical and midwifery staff involved in the care of the pregnancy. Life-and-death decisions can involve them in considerable emotional stress. Finally, any management should fall within the limits allowed by law, thus respecting the perspective of society in general.