Estatuto ontológico y ético del feto anencefálico: una perspectiva filosófica / Ontological and ethical statute of anencephalic fetus

Due to advances in prenatal techniques, it is now possible to diagnose malformations in útero, such as anencephaly, which in the past was only known at birth. Having knowledge of a malformation before birth, the moment in which almost every individual obtains social and legal protection, puts the malformed fetus in a vulnerable situation toward possible actions that lead to the interruption of pregnancy. The aim of this article is to analyze different positions about the quality and reality of the anencephalic fetus, its human condition and the care that the fetus and mother deserve.

Reflexiones sobre la conducta obstétrica en la embarazada con feto anencefálico / Reflections about the obstetric attitude towards anencephalic fetuses

Pregnancy of an anencephalic fetus generates deep thoughts about its diagnosis, treatment and management of maternal risk, having in mind the irreversibility of the fetal situation. At the present moment, there are no guidelines for labor care in these cases, probably because in most developed countries in which abortion is legal, these pregnancies are interrupted earlier. In Chile, where abortion is illegal we must deal with these situations at the end of the pregnancy period. Of 35,682 labors attended at our hospital, 14 were anencephalic fetuses. In 50 percent of these a cesarean section was done and in one, a hysterectomy was required due to uterine inertia.