Ethical Principles in Reproductive Medicine

Ethical Principles in Reproductive Medicine

Ethical Principles in Reproductive Medicine

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Ethical Foundations - Guiding Lights

  • Autonomy: Patient's right to self-determination in reproductive choices (e.g., contraception, abortion, ART).
    • Requires informed consent, respecting decisions even if against medical advice.
  • Beneficence: Duty to act in the patient's best interest.
    • Maximizing benefits of reproductive technologies while minimizing harm.
  • Non-maleficence: Duty to "do no harm".
    • Avoiding unnecessary procedures, minimizing risks of treatments (e.g., OHSS in IVF).
  • Justice: Fair distribution of reproductive healthcare resources and services.
    • Ensuring equitable access, regardless of socioeconomic status or other factors.

⭐ The principle of autonomy is paramount in decisions regarding termination of pregnancy, as upheld by the MTP Act in India, allowing women to make choices about their bodies and reproductive health within legal frameworks.

  • Informed Consent: Cornerstone.
    • Elements: Disclosure (risks, benefits, alternatives), Comprehension, Voluntariness, Capacity.
    • ART: Specific consents for gamete/embryo donation, surrogacy, PGT. Spousal consent often crucial.
    • Minors: Parental/guardian consent; mature minor assent.
    • Emergency: Implied consent if life-saving, patient incapacitated.
  • Privacy & Confidentiality: Patient's right to control their info.
    • Breach: Notifiable diseases, court order, harm to self/others.
    • Secure data (EHRs).
    • Genetic info: Utmost care.

⭐ In India, the MTP Act allows termination of pregnancy with the consent of the woman only (and guardian if minor/mentally ill); spousal consent is not mandatory.

ART Dilemmas - Modern Marvels & Morals

  • IVF & Embryo Status:
    • Moral status of embryo: person, property, or potential life?
    • Multiple pregnancies: risks, selective reduction ethics.
    • Cryopreservation: disposition of unused embryos, consent.
  • Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT):
    • Types: PGT-A (aneuploidy), PGT-M (monogenic), PGT-SR (structural rearrangements).
    • Ethical concerns: "designer babies", disability rights, eugenics fears.
  • Surrogacy:
    • Gestational (no genetic link for surrogate) vs. Traditional.
    • Key issues: potential exploitation, commodification of children, parental rights.
    • India: Altruistic surrogacy emphasized.
  • Gamete (Sperm/Egg) Donation:
    • Donor anonymity vs. child's right to know genetic origins.
    • Screening, compensation ethics, psychological impacts.
    • Directed vs. anonymous donation choices. Assisted Reproductive Technology Process

⭐ The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, are pivotal legislations governing ART practices in India, emphasizing ethical conduct and patient rights.

  • MTP Act, 1971 (Amended 2021):
    • Legal abortion framework. Limits: 20 wks; 24 wks (special cases); no limit for major fetal anomalies (Board).

    ⭐ Opinion: 1 RMP (≤20 wks); 2 RMPs (20-24 wks).

  • PCPNDT Act, 1994:
    • Prohibits sex determination/selection.
    • Curbs female foeticide.
    • Mandatory registration of diagnostic facilities.
  • Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021:
    • Altruistic surrogacy only (eligible Indian couples).
    • Bans commercial surrogacy.
    • Surrogate: close relative, married, own child, 25-35 yrs, once.
  • ART Act, 2021:
    • Regulates ART clinics/banks.
    • Ensures ethical practice, protects child's rights.
  • Patient autonomy is paramount in reproductive choices; informed consent is mandatory.
  • Beneficence guides actions to benefit the patient, while non-maleficence prevents harm.
  • Justice ensures equitable access to reproductive healthcare services.
  • Confidentiality of patient information must be strictly maintained.
  • India's PNDT Act prohibits sex selection; ART guidelines regulate assisted reproduction.
  • Ethical dilemmas in surrogacy and gamete donation require careful consideration.
  • Balancing maternal and fetal rights is a key ethical challenge.

Practice Questions: Ethical Principles in Reproductive Medicine

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For medical termination of pregnancy, consent is given by-

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Flashcards: Ethical Principles in Reproductive Medicine

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In case of Incomplete abortion the most appropriate management is to do _____

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In case of Incomplete abortion the most appropriate management is to do _____

dilatation and curettage

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