Operating on the Fetus

The advent of fetal surgery is analyzed in terms of its implications the moral status of the fetus, its bearing on the abortion debate, and its on the nature of the physician patient relationship. Three types of contracts are posited: the "gynecological," in which the pregnant is considered the primary patient; the "pediatric," in which the focus on the fetus; and the "obstetrical," in which the woman and fetus have a interest in treatment. It is concluded that the possibility of fetal does not preclude the "gynecological" and "obstetrical" contracts as options. (KIE abstract)