Professional integrity in maternal – fetal innovation and research: an essential component of perinatal medicine

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Clinical innovation and research on maternal–fetal interventions have become an essential for the development of perinatal medicine. In this paper, we present an ethical argument that the professional virtue of integrity should guide perinatal investigators. Methods We present an historical account of the professional virtue of integrity and the key distinction that this account requires between intellectual integrity and moral integrity. Results We identify implications of both intellectual and moral integrity for innovation, research, prospective oversight, the role of equipoise in randomized clinical trials, and organizational leadership to ensure that perinatal innovation and research are conducted with professional integrity. Conclusions Perinatal investigators and those charged with prospective oversight should be guided by the professional virtue of integrity. Leaders in perinatal medicine should create and sustain an organizational culture of professional integrity in fetal centers, where perinatal innovation and research should be conducted.