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Therapeutic Genetic Intervention
Question 24: As a Catholic hospital, is it permissible to perform a therapeutic treatment on a fetus in utero?

Choose the BEST response to Question 24 from the options below:

A. Yes, because without it the fetus is at risk of significant harm and possible death. It is ethically appropriate in this situation because the fetus' condition is life threatening. In a less severe condition, such interventions would not be morally allowed.
B. No. The Catholic tradition forbids all treatment interventions on fetuses while in the uterus. Therapeutic procedures are allowed once the child is delivered.
C. Yes. Although the treatment involves an invasive intervention on a fetus in utero, it is a well-established therapeutic practice whose sole purpose is to benefit the fetus without harm to the mother. For a proportionate reason, such therapies are permissible.

 
 
   
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