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.