Committee Opinion 12 - Ethical Treatment of Human Embryos

Each of us began our existence as a human embryo, and from our embryonic beginnings, we experience continuous development and differentiation throughout life.2 As medical professionals who live out the Hippocratic Oath3, we have a compelling responsibility to the human beings under our care. As medical professionals in Obstetrics and Gynecology, we have a long history of recognizing that both the pregnant mother and the human being in her womb are our patients. “Through quality perinatal care, the specialty promotes the health and well-being of the pregnant woman and her fetus.”4 We have the privilege and responsibility to care for both of them. Our responsibility to care for our youngest patients begins when a new human organism begins.