Medical and legal authorization for therapeutically induced childbirth in anencephaly cases: ethical implications

Authors

  • Samuel Servinhani Fernandes Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (Famerp)
  • Bruna Fonseca Silva Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (Famerp)
  • Landri Carvalho Neto Centro Universitário de Rio Preto (Unirp)
  • Fernando Batigália Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (Famerp)

Abstract

Anencephaly is a congenital anomaly in which the neural tube closes improperly, affecting the formation of the cranial vault and much of the brain. Therefore, in anencephaly, the hypothesis of fetal unfeasibility is considered. In cases of unfeasible extra-uterine fetal life or maternal health risk, it is possible to resort to the therapeutic induction of childbirth. This article discusses the ethical implications concerning the authorization of therapeutic induction of childbirth in case of anencephaly, such as: the physician’s influence on the patient’s decision making; failure to implement the methods of preventing this anomaly; legal differences between abortion and therapeutic induction of childbirth. The latter is a novelty within the legal field in Brazil, since the Penal Code criminalizes abortion, except in cases of life-threatening pregnancy or pregnancy resulting from rape.

Keywords:

Abortion. Anencephaly. Folic acid. Bioethics. Legislation.
Vol. 24 No. 2 (2016): Rev. bioét. (Impr.). 2016; 24 (2)

Published:

2016-07-20

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How to Cite

1.
Fernandes SS, Silva BF, Neto LC, Batigália F. Medical and legal authorization for therapeutically induced childbirth in anencephaly cases: ethical implications. Rev. bioét.(Impr.). [Internet]. 2016 Jul. 20 [cited 2024 Dec. 21];24(2). Available from: https://revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/1079