The Future of Fetal Surgery: Improve the Quality of Life or Just Save Lives?
The future of fetal surgery can go a few different ways: One, it could be restricted to only lifesaving operations, or it could be expanded to more operations like the repair for myelomeningocele that enhance the quality of life for an infant and their families. Currently, there is a major ethics debate over if it is wrong to interfere with natural development unless the problem is life threatening. Because there are significant risks to the mother--Two cesarean sections needed, possible rupture of the uterus and significant internal bleeding-- many physicians only advise intrauterine intervention in the most extreme of cases. Naturally, there is scientific information of both sides of the argument, and people just continue to debate.
For cases such as myelomeningocele, it is important to remember that the interest of the developing child is the most important to consider. This point brings up even more ethical debate starting with whether or not the fetus has rights, can be treated as a patient, and whether a mother should be able to deny surgery to her child. As shown by the MOMS trial and the history and advancements of fetal surgery thus far, it is obvious that the field is one that has a lot of room and direction to grow in. So far, the advancements made have changed the lives of many babies and their families in remarkable ways.
For cases such as myelomeningocele, it is important to remember that the interest of the developing child is the most important to consider. This point brings up even more ethical debate starting with whether or not the fetus has rights, can be treated as a patient, and whether a mother should be able to deny surgery to her child. As shown by the MOMS trial and the history and advancements of fetal surgery thus far, it is obvious that the field is one that has a lot of room and direction to grow in. So far, the advancements made have changed the lives of many babies and their families in remarkable ways.