An Ethical Framework for Research in Maternal–Fetal Intervention in the Presence of Maternal Human Immunodeficiency Virus or Hepatitis B and C Infection. Issue 1 (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shamshirsaz, Alireza A.; Sellner, Allison A.; Erfani, Hadi; Aagaard, Kjersti M.; Nassr, Ahmed A.; Pereira, Stacey; Belfort, Michael A.; McCullough, Laurence B.; Chervenak, Frank A.
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 133:Issue 1(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : Maternal–fetal interventions continue to be a groundbreaking and rapidly expanding area. In this article, we examine whether it is ethically permissible to conduct investigation into the expansion of inclusion criteria for existing maternal–fetal interventions to include pregnant patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B or C infection with low or undetectable viral loads. We addressed this ethical question by appealing to ethical principle of respect for the autonomy of the pregnant patient; the patient status of the fetus; the balance of overall benefits and risks of the procedure(s) to pregnant, fetal, and neonatal patients; and to the ethical principle of justice. The ethical framework we have provided supports the conclusion that research on maternal–fetal interventions with pregnant women with HIV and hepatitis B and C infection with low or undetectable viral loads is ethically permissible. To accumulate sufficient numbers, such research should be multicenter. Abstract : Fetal intervention research on accepted maternal–fetal interventions in pregnant women with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis infection with low or undetectable viral loads is ethically permissible.