J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2014 Jun;36(6):515-526.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing: Ethics and Policy Considerations.

Vanstone M1, King C2, de Vrijer B2, Nisker J3.

Author information

• 1Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton ON.
• 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London ON.
• 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London ON; Children's Health Research Institute, London ON.

Abstract

in English, French

New technologies analyzing fetal DNA in maternal blood have led to the wide commercial availability of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). We present here for clinicians the ethical and policy issues related to an emerging practice option. Although NIPT presents opportunities for pregnant women, particularly women who are at increased risk of having a baby with an abnormality or who are otherwise likely to access invasive prenatal testing, NIPT brings significant ethics and policy challenges. The ethical issues include multiple aspects of informed decision-making, such as access to counselling about the possible results of the test in advance of making a decision about participation in NIPT. Policy considerations include issues related to offering and promoting a privately available medical strategy in publicly funded institutions. Ethics and policy considerations merge in NIPT with regard to sex selection and support for persons living with disabilities.