Ethical issues in treatment of babies born at 22 weeks of gestation.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-2021
Identifier
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-320871
Abstract
Many centres now report that more than half of babies born at 22 weeks survive and most survivors are neurocognitively intact. Still, many centres do not offer life-sustaining treatment to babies born this prematurely. Arguments for not offering active treatment reflect concerns about survival rates, rates of neurodevelopmental impairment and cost. In this essay, I examine each of these arguments and find them ethically problematic. I suggest that current data ought to lead to two changes. First, institutional culture should change at institutions that do not offer treatment to babies born at 22 weeks. Second, we need more research to understand best practices for these tiny babies.
Journal Title
Archives of disease in childhood
Volume
106
Issue
12
First Page
1155
Last Page
1157
Keywords
ethics; health care economics and organizations; neonatology; palliative care
Recommended Citation
Lantos JD. Ethical issues in treatment of babies born at 22 weeks of gestation. Arch Dis Child. 2021;106(12):1155-1157. doi:10.1136/archdischild-2020-320871
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