Symposium on ethics and morals related to antenatal treatment of pediatric neurosurgical disorders. Treatment of fetuses in utero--an opinion from central Europe.

Abstract

In Austria, there is no need for treatment of defective fetuses in utero. First of all, the possibilities known so far are limited their effectiveness is debatable. Second, knowledge about fetal therapy is limited to a few specialists but so far is not practiced. The problems to be encountered in this new field and are discussed with regard to the ethical impact on the physician, the parents, and society, as well as the costs involved. The answer to this controversial subject is proposed using clear, irrevocable diagnostic procedures. Indication for surgery should cover the benefits to the child and parents and the benefits for society as well; justification of antenatal surgery should lead to a better understanding of the whole problem; all identical cases should be treated under identical circumstances; finally, justification for antenatal surgery or preterm delivery should not contradict or subvert our notion of fundamental and equal human rights. Progress in this field should be observed very critically.