Prenatal diagnosis and abortion for congenital abnormalities :is it ethical to provide one without the other?
Dublin Core
Title
Prenatal diagnosis and abortion for congenital abnormalities :is it ethical to provide one without the other?
Author
Ballantyne, Angela
Newson, Ainsley
Luna, Florencia
Ashcroft, Richard
Newson, Ainsley
Luna, Florencia
Ashcroft, Richard
Publisher
2009/08/00
Language
English
Publication Date
20090800
Abstract
This target article considers the ethical implications of providing prenatal diagnosis (PND) and antenatal screening services to detect fetal abnormalities in jurisdictions that prohibit abortion for these conditions. This unusual health policy context is common in the Latin American region. Congenital conditions are often untreated or under-treated in developing countries due to limited health resources, leading many women/couples to prefer termination of affected pregnancies. Three potential harms derive from the provision of PND in the absence of legal and safe abortion for these conditions: psychological distress, unjust distribution of burdens between socio-economic classes, and financial burdens for families and society. We present Iran as a comparative case study where recognition of these ethical issues has led to the liberalization of abortion laws for fetuses with thalassemia. We argue that physicians, geneticists and policymakers have an ethical and professional duty of care to advocate for change in order to ameliorate these harms.
Primary Classification
15.2
Secondary Classification
15.2;12.4.2;21.1
Primary keywords
abortion--[pri];congenital disorders--[pri];international aspects--[pri];legal aspects--[pri];moral policy--[pri];prenatal diagnosis--[pri];public policy--[pri];selective abortion--[pri];socioeconomic factors--[pri]
Secondary keywords
case studies;comparative studies;developed countries;developing countries;genetic disorders;genetic services;health services accessibility;illegal abortion;justice;moral obligations;pregnant women;religion;social impact;thalassemia
Subject
Latin America--[pri]
Subject
Brazil;Iran
Journal Article
American Journal of Bioethics.2009 August; 9(8):48-56
Link for Internet access
Note
36
Primary Document Type
ja
Call Number
journal
Subject Captions
l
Bibliography
49 refs.
Comment on:
See comments in:American Journal of Bioethics 2009 August; 9(8): 57-72
ISSN
1536-0075
Collection
Citation
“Prenatal diagnosis and abortion for congenital abnormalities :is it ethical to provide one without the other?,” Islamic Medical & Scientific Ethics, accessed September 7, 2024, http://imse.ibp.georgetown.domains/items/show/34567.