REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY - PREGNANT-WOMEN, THE FETUS, AND THE COURTS

The maternal-fetal relationship continues to be reshaped by the changi ng technological context of prenatal medicine and our expanding knowle dge of fetal development. Among other factors, advances in prenatal di agnosis, genetic screening, collaborative conception, and fetal surger y increase empathy for the fetus and heighten concern for the well-bei ng of the fetus. These changes in technology and the courts' responses to them are redefining the notion of responsibility of the pregnant w oman for the health of the fetus she decides to carry to term. These t rends threaten to further medicalize pregnancy, commodify children, an d compromise the autonomy and even the physical integrity of pregnant women.