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Review
. 2024 Sep;42(3):491-502.
doi: 10.1016/j.anclin.2023.12.007. Epub 2024 Feb 28.

Maternal-Fetal Conflicts in Anesthesia Practice

Sebastian M Seifert  1 , Leslie Matthews  2 , Lawrence C Tsen  3 , Grace Lim  4
Affiliations
Review

Maternal-Fetal Conflicts in Anesthesia Practice

Sebastian M Seifert et al. Anesthesiol Clin. 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Anesthesia clinicians often navigate a delicate balance between maternal and fetal safety. Interventions for at fetal well-being may introduce risks of harm to the mother and raise ethical dilemmas. Emergency procedures often focus on direct fetal safety, sidelining maternal physical and mental well-being. The clash between ethical principles, particularly nonmaleficence and beneficence, often arises, with maternal autonomy guiding decisions. Fetal surgery exemplifies risking maternal health for fetal benefit, whereas emergent cesarean deliveries pose physical and psychological challenges for both the mother and child.

Keywords: Anesthesia; Conflict resolution; Ethics; Fetal; Maternal; Obstetrics; Patienthood.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure G. Lim receives salary and research support from NIHUH3CA261067, NIH U01TR003719, and NIH R01MH134538 and receives research support, consulting honoraria, and chairs or is a member of advisory board from industry: Octapharma, Heron Pharmaceuticals, Edwards Lifesciences, Haemonetics, Werfen. Dr G. Lim receives stipends for medical expert testimony not related to this publication and receives royalties from Cambridge University Press for a textbook. Dr G. Lim is a consultant reviewer for ACOG and ASA liaison to the ACOG Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health’s (AIM) Clinical and Community Advisory Group.

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