(Pediatrics in Review. 1999;20:E27.)
© 1999 American Academy of Pediatrics
Provoking Thought and Discussion
David K. Stevenson, MD*
*
Coeditor, NeoReviews
The point-counterpoint format of
this edition of NeoReviews seemed
most accommodating of the topic
"The Ethics of In Vitro
Fertilization". As Coeditor, it is apparent to
me that some topics cannot be
covered sufficiently by simple,
straightforward exposition, as if it were
only a matter of ensuring
completeness of the review for the readership
to be informed satisfactorily. In fact,
some topics by their nature are not
likely to generate much satisfaction.
Instead, they may perturb and
provoke readers to consider their
complexity and reliance on scientific
evidence and even personal beliefs.
The latter often hold as much
weight in dialogue as information
resulting from the interpretation of
scientific experimentation.
As practitioners of neonatal
medicine, we need to be aware of
intersections between scientific evidence
and beliefs and be prepared to
recognize them in our communications
with the parents of our patients and
each other. We must be cognizant
that actions may be informed
ambiguously, yet remain decisive. The
point-counterpoint format is
conducive to exposing ambiguity and
reminding us that many truths can
coexist in dialogue, not always
restfully. Moreover, education is not
always coincident with knowing
what is right or knowing everything
that can be known.
