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An ethically justified, clinically comprehensive approach to peri-viability: Gynaecological, obstetric, perinatal and neonatal dimensions

2007; Informa; Volume: 27; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/01443610601133605

1364-6893

Frank A. Chervenak, Laurence B. McCullough, Malcolm I. Levene,

Ethics and Legal Issues in Pediatric Healthcare

Peri-viability, 22 – 26 completed weeks' gestational age, has generated ongoing clinical ethical controversies concerning the roles of abortion, caesarean delivery for fetal indication, neonatal resuscitation and limits on life-sustaining treatment of neonates. This paper provides a comprehensive, ethically justified approach to the clinical management of peri-viable fetuses and infants. We reviewed available data about the outcomes of peri-viable fetuses and developed an outcomes-based ethical framework that appeals to the ethical principles of beneficence, autonomy and justice. We identified beneficence-based, autonomy-based and justice-based considerations that should guide clinical judgement, the informed consent process, and decisions about termination of pregnancy, caesarean delivery and setting justified limits on life-sustaining treatment of neonatal patients. Ethics is an essential component of perinatal medicine because it provides physicians with an evidence-based, ethically justified, comprehensive approach to the gynaecological, obstetric, perinatal and neonatal dimensions of peri-viability.