Physicians engaged in maternal-fetal research should demonstrate the same care and concern for the pregnant individual and fetus that they would in providing clinical care.
In addition to adhering to general guidelines for the ethical conduct of research and applicable law, physicians who are involved in maternal-fetal research should:
- Base studies on scientifically sound clinical research with animals and nongravid human participants that has been carried out prior to conducting maternal-fetal research whenever possible.
- Enroll a pregnant individual in maternal-fetal research only when there is no simpler, safer intervention available to promote the well-being of the individual or fetus.
- Obtain the informed, voluntary consent of the pregnant individual.
- Minimize risks to the fetus to the greatest extent possible, especially when the intervention under study is intended primarily to benefit the pregnant individual.
AMA Principles of Medical Ethics: I, III, V
Read the Principles