Invasive prenatal genetic testing: A Catholic healthcare provider's perspective

Abstract

Invasive prenatal testing is performed for a variety of reasons, but the most common indication is for genetic testing of the fetus. Although many times the information obtained from this type of testing results in selective termination of fetuses with genetic diagnoses, the information itself may be morally neutral. Should a Catholic healthcare provider be willing to perform invasive prenatal testing in the setting of uncertainty with respect to the patient's plans following a diagnosis of a genetic abnormality?

Keywords:

• Invasive prenatal testing
• Amniocentesis
• Chorionic villus sampling
• Catholic bioethics

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jay J. Bringman

Jay J. Bringman, M.D., M.A.B. is a specialist in Maternal Fetal Medicine at Geisinger Health System in Danville, PA, USA. He is happily married and the proud father of six children ranging from 12 years old to 9 months of age.