ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN PRENATAL-DIAGNOSIS

Prenatal diagnostic testing raises a number of important ethical issue s, some related to diagnostic testing in general and others related to the special circumstances of pregnancy. These issues are most effecti vely addressed in the context of a broader understanding of the goals of prenatal diagnosis. Our dual obligations-to the pregnant woman and to the fetus-have an important influence on the goals of testing. Test ing seldom leads to treatment beneficial to the fetus, but more often can be beneficial to the pregnant woman, particularly if the informati on provided enhances her ability to make sound decisions about reprodu ctive matters. The process of prenatal diagnostic testing can, however , limit a woman's sense of control over the decisions made about her p regnancy. It can also provide an opportunity for third parties to beco me involved in what are usually considered private matters. It is ther efore important that the process of testing include adequate counselin g and follow-up and that the patient's confidence be respected. As pre natal diagnostic technology expands, both in terms of patients to be t ested and diagnoses to be sought, society will face difficult question s concerning access to testing and the justification for its use.