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4-D Ultrasound Boutiques to be Restricted by FDA

PASADENA, March 30, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The new 4-D sonogram technology is coming under scrutiny by the FDA with questions of safety being posed for this new take on an old technique. Pro-life organizations praised the innovation for its ability to produce extraordinarily life-like images of the child in the womb, with distinct facial features, movements, and minute details being made visible. Many groups felt that a breakthrough could be made in the defense of the unborn when this "window on the womb" became available.

Some individuals have opened sonogram "fetal imaging centers" to allow parents to pay a fee to see their child before birth and obtain pictures. The website of one firm, Fetal Fotos, addresses the FDA's concerns saying, "The system we use is not a toy and we take its use very seriously. Fetal Fotos serves both medical and a wellness function."

Now, however, a number of US medical organizations are complaining that the technology ought not to be used for non-medical purposes. Despite a long record of safety, a group of medical organizations are calling for regulation to take the technology out of the hands of the sonogram boutiques.

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has alleged that there could be medical problems associated with the use of the scans. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology has weighed in on the debate saying that sonograms should not be used as a "photo opportunity." This organization however is a vocal supporter of abortion and the pro-life community is suspicious of their motives.

Joseph Gigante, director of media and government relations at American Life League told LifeSiteNews.com that 4-D sonograms have been a boon to the struggle for the right to life. "These images are playing a powerful role in the struggle to restore respect and dignity to the preborn human person." Gigante says that the call for fines and restrictions by the groups is an act of hypocrisy. "This is the same group of people that has resisted every single attempt to ensure that their very own abortuaries meet even minimal medical standards. A truly pro-life person, who is fully committed to the sanctity of life, would never knowingly or willingly do anything to endanger the life of an innocent human being."

NYNewsday.com coverage:
http://www.nynewsday.com/news/health/sns-ap-prenatal-portraits,0,6259737.story?c...

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