多胞胎妊娠減胎術引發的倫理議題初探

Ethical Issues Arising from the Fetal Reduction of Multifetation

生殖科技治療及排卵藥的使用，導致多胞胎妊娠發生。而多胞胎妊娠造成週產期罹病率及死亡率均極高，故醫師會採減胎的方式，於腹部超音波指引下，以長針穿刺子宮內胎兒使其死亡，存留2個活胎兒，卻也使孕婦產生痛苦、罪惡感，引起各專家的討論。本文初探減胎術引發的倫理議題，特供護理人員參考。The application of artificial reproduction technology and ovulation drugs has led to the growth of multifetation. Mothers and fetus however have higher perinatal mortality and morbidity. Therefore, The docters will apply fetal reduction, and a long ultrasound-guided needle was used to puncture the fetus inside the women’s wombs, causing the fetus’ death and spare two fetuses. However, fetal reduction leads to mother’s sadness and sense of guilt. Thus, experts have started discussions on this issue. This article is to discuss the ethical issues and will serve as a reference for nursing personnel.