[Fetal life] [Expenses] [Survival] [Termination] [Natural Selection] [The Mother's Story] [What can we treat ?]

AND A WORD ABOUT MOTHERS

What about the mother's role in fetal surgery ?
Though nothing is discussed about this aspect in most publications on fetal surgery experiments, it remains true that this novel technique is NOT entirely harmless to the mother. Physical and psychologic effects may occur that will alter the future reproductive life of the mother after an attempt at fetal intervention.

There is the physical stress and discomfort of multiple operations - first, to repair the heart defect in the fetus, later to extract the mature fetus by cesarean section. Coupled to this is the concern that these operations, by damaging the lining of the uterus, may even result in permanent sterility, preventing a future pregnancy. Weakening the wall of the womb also imposes the compulsion of a cesarean section in the event of any future pregnancy.

Apart from this, the mother has to face the psychological trauma of uncertainty about the outcome of the fetus. Definitely, fetal surgery will cause some tension, grief and struggle. Whether all moms will be able to, or indeed want to, undergo such a trial of strength remains a point to ponder.

Even if the outcome is successful, the long term survival of the fetus is not assured. Multiple procedures may yet be required. Costs involved have not yet been calculated definitely, but are likely to be considerable.

Many senior pediatric cardiologists, in discussing the therapeutic options available to women whose fetuses have congenital heart disease, unequivocally recommend termination of pregnancy, rather than attempting complex repairs. Though a debatable ethical issue, there is some logic in this suggestion from the point of view of the parent and family, who are forced to make a difficult decision.

How mothers will stand up to this new challenge will be known only in the future. But going by their track record,

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