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First trimester prenatal diagnosis: earlier is not necessarily better.

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  • 1. Department of the University of Rhode Island, Kingston.
      Authors
    • Boss JA 1
    (1 author)

Journal of Medical Ethics, 01 Sep 1994, 20(3):146-151
https://doi.org/10.1136/jme.20.3.146 PMID: 7996559 PMCID: PMC1376499

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Abstract 

In the past few years considerable attention has been given to a relatively new method of prenatal diagnosis known as chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Because CVS can be performed in the first trimester it is hailed by many as a significant advance over amniocentesis. What has not been as publicized, however, are the disadvantages of CVS and earlier prenatal diagnosis. The emotional costs of CVS in terms of the greater number of both spontaneous and selective abortions following CVS, the use of CVS for sex selection and, because of the greater social acceptability of first trimester abortion, the possibility of increased pressure on women to undergo prenatal diagnosis by health insurance companies, medical professionals and government agencies, all need to be weighed against the advantages of early prenatal diagnosis.

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Logo of jmedethLink to Publisher's site
J Med Ethics. 1994 Sep; 20(3): 146–151.
PMCID: PMC1376499
PMID: 7996559

First trimester prenatal diagnosis: earlier is not necessarily better.

J A Boss
Author information Copyright and License information Disclaimer

Abstract

In the past few years considerable attention has been given to a relatively new method of prenatal diagnosis known as chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Because CVS can be performed in the first trimester it is hailed by many as a significant advance over amniocentesis. What has not been as publicized, however, are the disadvantages of CVS and earlier prenatal diagnosis. The emotional costs of CVS in terms of the greater number of both spontaneous and selective abortions following CVS, the use of CVS for sex selection and, because of the greater social acceptability of first trimester abortion, the possibility of increased pressure on women to undergo prenatal diagnosis by health insurance companies, medical professionals and government agencies, all need to be weighed against the advantages of early prenatal diagnosis.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
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