Abstract: Objective To explore the main reasons of medical malpractice of fetal abnormalities and to analyze the key points and the ideas in judicial appraisal. Methods According to the related laws, regulations and clinical practice guidelines, the medical faults and the contribution degree in 12 medical malpractice cases about fetal abnormalities were analyzed. Results There were medical faults in five cases. Among them, the doctors did not fulfill the duty of inform in 2 cases, did not analyze the abnormal results comprehensively in 2 cases, did not have qualified medical conditions and normative reports in 1 case. The hospitals needed to take the minor responsibility in 2 cases and slight responsibility in 2 cases. Conclusion The key points in the judicial appraisal are whether the doctors abide by the related laws, regulations and clinical practice guidelines in prenatal examination, screen and diagnosis, and whether the doctors realize the limitations of ultrasonic testing and fulfill the obligation of inform.

Key words: forensic medicine, fetus, abnormalities, medical malpractice