Leiberman J R, Mazor M, Chaim W, Cohen A
Obstet Gynecol. 1979 Apr;53(4):515-7.
There is an ethical and legal problem for obstetricians when a pregnant patient, before or during labor, is notified by her physician that the fetus is in danger of dying and in need of surgical intervention, and she does not accept this advice. Such a case may occur for various reasons. This report attempts to address the issue of the fetus' right to life and the legal aspects thereof according to the laws of different countries. We accept the fact that the fetus has a legal right to live and the parents are the natural guardians. If the child is capable of being born alive and the patient does not consent to being subjected to a given treatment directed to save the fetus, the doctor must be legally entitled to warn the patient that she is committing a felony.
