PEDIATRICS Vol. 79 No. 4 April 1987, pp. 508-514
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Fetal Abuse and Neglect: An Emerging Controversy

Julius Landwirth MD1

1 The Departments of Pediatrics, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, and University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington

Advances in fetal medicine have expanded opportunities for protection of fetal health and intrauterine management of an increasing number of fetal disorders. The legal rights and duties of parents to provide necessary medical treatment for the child may extend to the prenatal period. Resolution of the conflict between the rights of the fetus to be born healthy and the pregnant woman's right of privacy is difficult and controversial. It is suggested that intrusion into a woman's individual fundamental rights for the potential benefit of her fetus should be permissible only in narrowly defined circumstances.

Key Words: fetal abuse • fetal neglect

Submitted on April 21, 1986
Accepted on July 25, 1986