Recent legal movements and norms are being incorporated into the practice of maternal care with particular attention to the protection of the fetus as a separate entity from the woman. These legal aspects are said to call into question the pregnant woman's rights regarding her own medical care and decisions. The new fetal protection actions will impose criminal charges against women who behave in ways associated with fetal harm or adverse perinatal outcomes. Ethical dilemmas related to maternal decision-making are addressed because they “constrain the pregnant woman's decision-making by punishing her, which erodes a woman's fundamental rights to privacy and bodily integrity.” (ACOG, 2011) Technological advances in current imaging, testing, and treatment of fetuses help create the vision of a fetus viewed as an independent patient. They can be cared for separately from the woman on whom their existence depends. Civil laws regarding the treatment of the fetus are criticized due to their failure to address the health needs of the pregnant woman. Since an operation on the fetus must be performed through the body of the pregnant woman, many ethical and legal complications arise related to the protection of the fetus. In April 2004, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act was signed into law, legally implementing a federal misdemeanor or crime. on a woman if it causes death or physical harm to the fetus at any stage of pregnancy. Ethical dilemmas related to the interconnection between the pregnant woman and the fetus are applicable regarding informed consent, patient choice in the mother-fetus relationship, and risky alcohol and illicit drug use. With respect to patients' autonomous decision making, obtaining informed conventions may instill fear in women that their wishes in the delivery room will be respected. In relation to the ethical challenges related to the advancement of maternal health, the “ethics committee strongly opposes the criminal prosecution of pregnant women whose activities could cause harm to their fetuses”. (ACOG, 2011) Perinatal outcomes and maternal behavior are not a fully understood topic. Judicial authorities should not be in charge of care or treatment with fetal protection procedures. Developing evidence-based practices and beneficial methods to address maternal substance abuse will assist medical care while improving services that will provide safe, accessible, and successful services for women and their families. Works Cited ACOG. (2011, November). Excerpt from Maternal Decision-Making Ethics and the Law .