Debate 1: Fetuses with nonisolated fetal anomalies or genetic syndromes should be excluded from fetal therapy.

Fetal surgery is an invasive procedure, which in select circumstances can provide benefits to the fetus and child, but often carries a risk of maternal morbidity. As such, selecting the optimal motherfetus pairs for surgical intervention is crucial. So far, most studies exploring the benefits of fetal surgery have excluded fetuses with genetic or syndromic anomalies or with more complex structural anomalies. However, with increasing surgical experience and the advent of less invasive procedures, one could argue that it is "unethical" to exclude fetuses with more complex anomalies from fetal surgical interventions, especially if these interventions are not done in the setting of a trial or study.

This topic will be debated by two experts in the management of fetuses and children with spina bifida, Dr. Magdalena Sanz and Dr. Paige Church, and moderated by Professor Jan Deprest.