Lethal Congenital Malformations: Palliative Therapy From An Islamic Point of View
Lethal Congenital Malformations: Palliative Therapy From An Islamic Point of View
To prove that palliative therapy can be practised for congenital lethal malformations within
 the Islamic Code of Ethics.

 After defining lethal malformation no respiratory support is offered and newborns are
 provided with compassionate care.
This is a prospective observational study where all abnormal antenatal ultrasounds are
 discussed in a weekly prenatal meeting and plans are drawn for management of these abnormal
 fetal findings. Lethal malformations are defined as conditions which will end in death
 regardless of supportive care. Cases are discussed extensively and parents are involved in
 management decisions. When a decision of non- intervention is reached for a lethal
 malformation consent of the family is obtained and a plan of non monitoring for the mother is
 documented together with no resuscitation for the newborn. Families who do not consent to
 such plan are offered full support for the pregnant mother and her newborn. A record of all
 cases is kept available together with the management plan so that the appropriate action is
 taken when the the pregnant lady presents for admission. All babies with lethal malformations
 are recorded whether stillborn or live born and their diagnosis is confirmed. Survival time
 is recorded for each case.
Inclusion Criteria:All babies with abnormal fetal ultrasounds -

 Exclusion Criteria: Normal babies who die in the neonatal period because of other causes
 not associated with lethal malformations

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