Reflexions of therapeutical anticipation of the childbirth

Abstract

Anencephaly is a severe fetal anomaly that is incompatible with extrauterine life. This paper addresses this malformation and its consequences on the life of the pregnant woman, based on the nonexistence of potential fetal life, which makes termination of the pregnancy legally permitted. The procedure performed in this case is known as therapeutic early delivery, and should not in any way be confused with abortion. The distinctions between these two institutes are highlighted, and the issue of anencephaly is dealt with, showing its lethal nature. Likewise, this study seeks to emphasize the greater possibility of risk to the woman’s health in pregnancies of this type. Ethical issues relating to human life and the human being and person are also addressed, discussing therapeutic early delivery of an unviable fetus on the basis of moral premises. The aim is therefore to demonstrate the need to ensure the woman’s autonomy in the event of a pregnancy with an anencephalous fetus, such that, after reflection and discussion with her peers, the decision on whether to terminate the pregnancy when faced with the diagnosis of fetal malformation must be hers alone.