Pregnancy Termination in the Case of an Orofacial Cleft: An Investigation of the Concept of Reproductive Autonomy

Objective: To describe ethical approaches to the issue of pregnancy termination after prenatal detection of cleft lip ± palate. Results: Gynecologists and cleft surgeons are sometimes confronted with the demand for a pregnancy termination after ultrasound detection of an isolated cleft lip/cleft palate. In this article, we discuss different ethical theories and principles that can be applied to the dilemma at hand. We formulate recommendations that will respect the right to autonomy of the pregnant woman and at the same time acknowledge that a termination of pregnancy for a cleft lip may in most cases not be the best option. Conclusion: The recognition of each person’s right to reproductive autonomy also entails that clinicians should make sure that prospective parents are provided with up-to-date and relevant clinical information.