Ethical challenges in conducting maternal-fetal surgery trials. A systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To present the ethical challenges embedded in published maternal-fetal surgery (MFS) trials and their potential solutions.

Method

Systematic review of normative and empirical literature. We selected articles based on predefined inclusion criteria. QUAGOL methodology was used for analysis.

Results

Forty-three articles were included. We identified two main themes. First, clinical ethics issues. One of the main challenges is balancing rights of the fetus with the rights of the pregnant person. There seems to be an agreement that the pregnant person has the right to decide whether to participate regardless of fetal benefit. Second, research ethics issues. The main issues are difficulties in obtaining a sizeable sample, which lead to trials delays and cancellatio

SUBMITTER: Cavolo A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12454111 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature