[Ethical problems with the current French practice in therapeutic abortions. Part 3: resolving moral dilemmas in fetal medicine].

OBJECTIVE

Based on the information acquired in the first two parts of this study and the data in the literature, to propose ethic codifications for solving moral dilemmas concerning fetal medicine.

METHODS

Identification of situations where the object of the conflict is ethics: general methodology propositions for making individual decisions.

RESULTS

In all cases a rigorous method is required, based on three main elements: a complete and well documented medical file; the opinion of the couple after appropriate participative communication; case by case collegial discussion.

CONCLUSION

The methodology proposed underscores the roles played by health carers: obtain a medical file as complete as possible with prime emphasis on the infant; establish active communication with the parents giving greater value to their free examination of the situation; collegial discussion in order to be pertinent social partners.