In a research project evaluating fetal surgery, from whom must consent be obtained?

In research projects involving fetal surgery, obtaining consent is a crucial ethical and legal requirement. It is necessary to obtain consent from both the pregnant woman and the father of the fetus. The pregnant woman is the primary participant in the research since she is the one undergoing the procedure and directly affected by the surgery. Additionally, involving the father of the fetus respects the family dynamics and recognizes his potential stake in the health and well-being of both the mother and the unborn child.

This dual consent process also aligns with principles of shared decision-making in medical ethics, ensuring that both parents are informed and have the opportunity to discuss, weigh, and agree on the treatment being proposed. In many jurisdictions, both parents have legal rights concerning medical decisions involving their child, which further supports the need for both parties to provide consent for research that could impact their future child.

While a legal guardian may be necessary in certain circumstances, such as if the pregnant woman is a minor or unable to give consent due to mental incapacitation, this scenario does not cover all cases. Thus, accessing consent from both parents is the most ethically sound and legally prudent approach in research involving fetal surgery.