Ethics in fetal medicine

In this chapter we provide an overview of current ethical issues in fetal medicine. We begin with an introduction to the language and concepts of ethics. We then show how ethical principles can be applied to fetal medicine. In this part of the chapter we introduce the concept of the fetus as a patient and explain its implications for directive versus non-directive counselling. We then take up two current clinical controversies, routine obstetric ultrasound and termination of third trimester pregnancy.