Framework and limitations of medical termination of pregnancy
Type de matériel :
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Background: Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) is performed because of medical conditions concerning the fetus (e.g., cardiac pathology, central nervous system malformation, genetic disorders) or the mother; it is not subject to any time limit. In 2019, 6,848 MTPs were performed in France. Prenatal diagnosis framework: MTP is part of a process beginning with screening and followed by prenatal diagnosis through an obstetric ultrasound. A medical framework is necessary in order to respect all the different stages, allowing a global approach for parents. Given its complexity and in order to avoid any abuses, MTP is regulated by a legislative framework that has evolved over time. Deciding factors and prenatal diagnosis limitations: Different elements of reflection are involved in the path from the announcement of fetal malformation or severe maternal pathology to the request for MTP. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors will have an impact on the patient’s thought process and will raise many questions concerning prenatal diagnosis limitations. These concern both the patient and the medical team. They can be due to ethical or eugenic considerations. Other factors such as language comprehension, socio-educational level, different socio-economic developments, or even religion will have a direct impact on the ability of the patient to take all factors into account when deciding what action to take. Finally, another limitation relates to the sometimes fine line between voluntary termination and medical termination of pregnancy. Conclusions: MTP is a complex process that leads to questions about rights concerning life and death, in relation to both the request of the couple and the acceptance of the multidisciplinary team. MTP is legally regulated in a non-exhaustive way, leaving room for developments in medicine, thus making it possible to adapt to each situation. MTP is and must remain a last resort for patient care. MTP must constantly be at the center of ethical debates with continuous questioning to avoid a shift toward eugenic practices. Hence the importance of maintaining a degree of liberty within a rigid framework.
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