In early stages of pregnancy, Methotrexate is typically administered to a female by injection. Abbreviated as MTX, Methotrexate, a known teratogenic agent, is an antimetabolite and antifolate drug that can be used to stop the rapid growth of dividing embryonic, fetal and early placenta cells. Examples of MTX use are to end early ectopic pregnancy, prevent growth of cells and as part of an induced abortion.
Under Pennsylvania’s doctrine of informed consent, it is unclear whether a physician who administers an injection of MTX to end early fetal development is saddled with the duty to inform the patient of the risks and alternatives to the MTX treatment. Stated differently, a physician in Pennsylvania may not owe a pregnant patient the duty to inform her of all the benefits, risks and costs of known alternative treatment options prior to administering into her body a medical substance intended to terminate fetal development. Here, MTX is used demonstratively to highlight the nature and effect of medical substances given through injection.
