Bioethics in the evaluation of the fetal central nervous system in third world countries: applying Rotary International’s four way test

Abstract

Evaluation of fetal central nervous system (CNS) can be performed with invasive and non-invasive tests but, the implementation of any of both present ethical dilemmas in the prenatal obstetrical management and perinatal therapy. Severely sick fetuses are usually aborted, and such practice is hazardous in third world countries, especially in current times with worldwide spread of Zika virus infection. Rotary International’s four way test give the practitioners a guideline to perform a moral and ethical medical pattern in order to respect the woman and her fetus rights, beneficence and autonomy. Bioethical guidelines in case of an adverse fetal CNS diagnosis is proposed based in this Rotarian moral model.

Keywords

• Bioethics;
• Zika
• Rotary International
• Four way test
• Fetal CNS