Parental request for non-resuscitation in fetal myelomeningocele repair: an analysis of the novel ethical tensions in fetal intervention.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2022

Identifier

DOI: 10.1038/s41372-022-01317-5

Abstract

As the field of fetal intervention grows, novel ethical tensions will arise. We present a case of Fetal myelomeningocele repair involving a 25-week fetus where parents requested that if emergent delivery was necessary during the open uterine procedure, that the medical team did not perform resuscitation. This question brings forward an important discussion around the complicated space of maternal autonomy, child rights, and clinician obligations that exists in fetal intervention. In some regions, a mother in this situation may choose to terminate the pregnancy. Parents could also choose not to do the surgery. Parents in some regions could opt for no resuscitation of a child born at 25-weeks' gestation. We offer an analysis of these relevant considerations, the different tensions, and the conflicting duties between the mother, fetus, and medical team. This analysis will provide ethical and clinical guidance for future questions that may arise in this burgeoning field.

Journal Title

Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association

Volume

42

Issue

7

First Page

856

Last Page

859

MeSH Keywords

Child; Female; Fetus; Gestational Age; Humans; Meningomyelocele; Parents; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care

Keywords

Fetus; Gestational Age; Meningomyelocele; Parents; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care

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