Prenatal Screening Tests from the Perspective of Medical Ethics and Law: A Qualitative Research in Iran

Abstract

Background: The advancement of new techniques in prenatal testing results in an increased amount of information that must be communicated to expectant mothers. Objectives: The present study aims to investigate prenatal screening tests from the perspective of medical ethics and law. Methods: In this qualitative study, individual semi-structured interviews were carried out in March and April 2023 in Guilan province, involving a total of seven participants (n = 7), including four gynecologists, one neonatologist, one genetics PhD, and one medical ethics PhD. All interviews were conducted face-to-face and led by two researchers with expertise in qualitative research. Results: The findings demonstrate a conflict between the concept of patient autonomy and the healthcare provider's responsibility to prioritize the health of both the mother and the fetus. Although prenatal screening provides significant medical advantages, such as early detection of genetic abnormalities, participants in this study expressed concerns regarding the practical, financial, psychological, and ethical difficulties in performing these tests successfully and efficiently. Conclusions: According to the results, medical professionals emphasize the necessity for a broader strategy that includes not just the medical and technological advances of prenatal testing but also wider ethical, legal, and social considerations.