Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Dec 17. [Epub ahead of print]

Ethical Dimensions of First-trimester Fetal Aneuploidy Screening.

Chervenak FA, McCullough LB.

Author information

• *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York †Center for MedicalEthics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

Abstract

Noninvasive first-trimester fetal aneuploidy screening provides pregnant women with risk assessment information early in pregnancy. Noninvasive first-trimester aneuploidy screening includes imaging of the fetus and maternal serum analyte and assessment of fetal genetic material in the maternal circulation. The ethical challenges of noninvasive first-trimester fetal aneuploidy screening concern the physician's role in the informed consent process for risk assessment, the goal of which is to empower pregnant women to make informed decisions about noninvasive aneuploidy screening. This article provides physicians with an ethical framework for the professionally responsible management of these ethical challenges and for those related to emerging technologies.