Research that relates to a pregnant woman can result in the transfer of noxious substances into the foetal circulation, thus affecting the well-being of the vulnerable foetus.
Now that intra-uterine repair of cleft lip has been tried experimentally with lamb foetuses, plastic surgeons are poised at the operating theatre wanting to be the first to repair this physical defect in humans. A mother with a handicapped foetus diagnosed may now, for instance, have the choice of an abortion, continuing to term, or experimental treatment of the foetus in the womb.