[Questions of bio-ethics in the termination of pregnancy in the second and third trimester of pregnancy for eugenic indications (author's transl)].

According to the paragraph 218 B of the Criminal Code termination of pregnancy for eugenic indications is prohibited. Since it is today possible to diagnose anencephaly at 30 weeks an ethical dilemma arises. The hypothesis is founded that an anencephalic is clinically a dead entity with continuing functions of live corresponding to clinical death following an accident when essential parts of the brain have been lost. If this thesis is accepted a pregnancy can be terminated immediately following diagnosis of anencephaly without using the questionable medical psychiatric indication for termination.