RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The disposal of the aborted fetus--new guidelines: ethical considerations in the debate in Sweden.
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 32
OP 36
DO 10.1136/jme.19.1.32
VO 19
IS 1
A1 K Kallenberg
A1 L Forslin
A1 O Westerborn
YR 1993
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/19/1/32.abstract
AB During the 70s and 80s ethical debate concerning the fetus became intensive. The great advances made in medical technology and research and improvements in prenatal diagnosis as well as in embryological research have led us to believe that the fetus is an individual with recognised claims to protection. In Sweden the aborted fetus has previously been considered merely as a risk-disposal problem, equivalent to dangerous and infected material and there have been no specific guidelines for the treatment of the fetus after abortion. In July 1990 treatment of aborted fetuses was changed with the general guidelines from the National Board of Health and Welfare. The present paper sets out the main contents of the guidelines and discusses the gradually changing views concerning the status of the human fetus in Sweden, as well as the public debate which has been a contributing factor to these changes.