Chapter I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1. Scope
This Circular sets forth guidelines for prenatal and neonatal consultation, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Article 2. Interpretation of terms
1. Birth defect (also known as congenital malformation or congenital disorder) refers to an abnormality of the structure or functions (including abnormality of metabolism) which occurs during the pregnancy period and may be found before, during, or after birth.
2. Prenatal screening tests refer to a set of procedures that are performed during pregnancy to determine whether a baby is likely to have birth defects.
3. Neonatal screening tests refer to a set of procedures that are performed to determine whether a newborn is likely to have congenital disorder, pathological signs relating to endocrine -metabolic-genetic disorder, but not clinically evident in the newborn period.
4. Prenatal diagnosis refers to a set of procedures that are performed during pregnancy to diagnose whether a baby is likely to have birth defects that are found through prenatal screening tests.
5. Neonatal diagnosis refers to a set of specific procedures that are performed during the newborn period to diagnose whether a newborn is likely to have congenital disorder, pathological signs relating to endocrine-metabolic-genetic disorder that are found through neonatal screening tests.
Article 3. Rules for prenatal and neonatal consultation, screening, diagnosis, and treatment
1. The prenatal and neonatal consultation, screening, diagnosis, and treatment is only allowed to be performed at health facilities obtaining proper operating licenses within their specialities
2. The prenatal and neonatal consultation, screening, diagnosis, and treatment will be performed on the voluntary basis. Particularly, prenatal screening, diagnosis, and treatment are compulsory for surrogate mothers for humanitarian purpose as prescribed in Clause 2 Article 97 of the Law on marriage and family.
3. The consultation must be performed before, during, and after prenatal and neonatal screening, diagnosis, and treatment.