The newborn with anencephalia

Abstract

The article outlines a “status quaestionis” of the animated debate on the numerous medical and ethical problems related to anencephaly, and in particular the newborn's ontological status, the conditions which make the removal of the anencephalic infant's organs or tissues lawful, the treatment to be given to the anencephalic infant, the prenatal diagnosis and the induction of premature delivery.

Particular emphasis is given to the ethical models implied by the various positions and anthropological horizons involved. Operative guidelines are suggested and they try and adapt the requirements of transplants with the fundamental and absolute respect for the human person, even in extreme and marginal situations, like that of the anencephalic infant.