Fetal autonomy in fertilization for older women

Resumo

One of the biggest bioethical dilemmas is when mother autonomy conflicts with that of the conceptus. Many studies have shown that fetuses develop senses during intrauterine life, allowing them to feel and react to the environment where they live. Fetuses must thus have rights to bioethical principles. Recent advances in assisted reproductive technologies have made it possible for older women to conceive. However, a woman’s decisions regarding reproductive choices directly affect the fetus. Besides medical complications, bioethical dilemmas based on the “I can do it, but should I do it?” question have been raised. This systematic review critically evaluated the existing literature on fertilization for older women, especially the approach to fetal bioethics, including fetal autonomy. Most studies approach this subject from the mother’s autonomy, mother and fetus health aspects, and social, legal, and governmental aspects. Only four studies found discussed the biological rights of the fetus. These studies comment on maternal autonomy involving the resulting offspring, the interests of the potential child as a child that does not yet exist, the interests of the child to be mothered by someone whose health could be impaired soon, and the rights and well-being of the future child. In vitro fertilization for older women requires further discussion regarding fetus autonomy.