Prenatal Palliative Care and Perinatal Hospice – New Challenges in Caring for the Precious Gift of Life in its Fragility

Prenatal diagnosis often brings information about serious illness of the child with unfavourable prognosis. Some consider termination of pregnancy; for others termination is unthinkable; others are not sure which path would be a more acceptable or more compassionate choice. In such a situation, to make the final decision, it is important to have a wide range of accurate sources of information at one's hand. Prenatal palliative care and perinatal hospice provide support to those parents who choose to continue their pregnancy. The approach is based on strict scientific methods joined with thorough health care planning as well as empathy and compassion. The aim of the paper is to point out the innovative possibilities of professional medical assistance to an unborn child diagnosed with serious illness and to its parents, as well as to demonstrate the need for cooperation of health care professionals and helping professions in accompanying such couples.