Ethical dilemmas in continuing pregnancy after a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defects: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
A prenatal CHD diagnosis initiates a profound moral journey for parents that extends far beyond a medical decision. The resulting psychological crisis-driven by the tension between sanctity and quality of life-underscores the need for a shift in clinical practice. Evidence supports the adoption of a holistic, multidisciplinary framework grounded in cultural sensitivity and empathetic communication to empower parents in making value-congruent choices during one of life's most difficult experiences.
Authors
- Mehdi Ghaderian (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6140-7750)
- Mohsen Taghadosi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9782-0862)
- Zahra Tagharrobi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1704-7510)
- Sina Sharifi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5120-4847)
- Amir Shahzeydi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9095-2424)
- Atefeh Mah-Najafabadi
Institutions
- Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IR)
- Kashan University of Medical Sciences (IR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMC Medical Ethics
- Published
- 2025-12-12
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-025-01327-w
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Congenital Heart Disease Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.35
Funders
- Kashan University of Medical Sciences