Ethical Consideration in Fetal

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Ethical considerations in fetal reduction Fetal reduction also known as selective reduction refers to the process of reducing the number of fetuses to a twin or single pregnancy in a case of a mutlifetal pregnancy. One or more of the fetuses within the pregnancy normally get selected to be terminated. There may be medical or non medical grounds on which this kind of operation stands on. The most prominent non medical reasons could be a lack of an emotional or financial support system to manage the pregnancy. Medical reasons could be premature births, death of an infant or mother and a disability in a new born associated with medical complications. There existed remarkably few multiple births in the past, but technology and advancement brought about new ways and means to reproduce. Since the year 1980, the number of pregnancies involving three or more babies increased. These multiple births became possible due the availability of fertility drugs and in vitro fertilization. There are no laws governing in vitro fertilization clinics in the United States of America. Multiple pregnancies may occur naturally or via the use of technology. Most doctors are usually exceptionally fast in suggesting fetal reduction albeit the numerous risks associated with the process. There are emotional risks and physical scars that could result out of a fetal reduction. The methods used in fetal reduction include air injections, suction abortion, the use of ultrasound and a needle to kill the targeted fetus, and even bleeding the targeted fetus to death. There are robust ethical issues associated with fetal reduction. These put into consideration all the parties involved in the process. Some of the prominent ethical considerations include justice, non maleficence and consequences for both mother and child. Non-maleficence simply refers to the fact that a physician is

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