Rights of an unborn child - an internet focused group discussion

Introduction: The incidence of second trimester abortion is on the increase. 1.6 Crore abortions a year in India and 81% of them take medicines at home instead of going to hospital. The study was conducted with a focus on foetal rights and views about it among selected groups of people. Materials & Methods: Internet based Focus group discussion was done among 60 Participants from various category of groups separately, (Advocates-4, Doctors-9, Nurses-24, Psychologists-5, and General Public-18) who were included by voluntary participation in the discussion. Results: On an average 75% of them said foetus has rights and the right of the foetus begins immediately after conception was the opinion of many (66%) and 47% said only mother has the right over foetus in case of legal separation and 53% said both have rights. Abortion can be done if there is congenital abnormality irrespective of religious restrictions, MTP with or without consent of the husband; embryo reduction based on medical advice, performing LSCS for saving life of foetus irrespective of mother is willing or not were some of the ethical challenges discussed and the opinions varied between groups. Conclusion: Developing ethical protocols and having ethics support services can be of help to deal with ethical challenges related to foetal health for the betterment and protection of the foetus from conception onwards.