Fetal Reduction: A Comparative Legal Study

Modern infertility treatment methods, along with favorable results, sometimes bring about unfavorable consequences. Multiple pregnancy is one of those consequences that puts the health of mother and life of fetus in danger. Fetal reduction, namely removing one or more fetuses with aim of preserving pregnancy and also certain preventive measures such as transfer of fewer fetuses into uterus of mother in each cycle of In Vitro Fertilizations (IVF), is one of solutions to tackle this unfavorable consequence. In a number of legal systems, along with a permission to conduct fetal reduction, precise provisions on the number of transferable fetuses are enacted. A comparative study of fetal reduction in countries in which there is an experience of legal encounter with this issue shall open a horizon for the legislator and policy makers in the field of health in Iran, where there is no consistent laws or regulations in this context, so that they adopt an appropriate approach to the problem. It seems that a fetal reduction permission, limiting regulations on the number of transferable fetuses, and proper insurance coverage embody an appropriate legal system in the context of fetal reduction.