Ethical Considerations Regarding Pregnancy in Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Pregnancy in the context of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a daunting clinical scenario for both health-care providers and patients and raises ethical and social questions that have important implications for health policy and funding. Despite potential problems, women with CKD will continue to conceive and deliver babies, and nephrologists will be faced with the challenge of caring for them. This paper discusses ethical issues regarding pregnancy in CKD and highlights the controversies surrounding parental, fetal, and societal rights. © 2007 National Kidney Foundation, Inc.