Keywords:
1. Introduction -- 2. Legal intervention when a fetus is threatened or harmed -- 3. Elements of a negligence action in obstetrics and midwifery -- 4. Negligent treatment in obstetrics and midwifery -- 5. Negligent failure to provide appropriate information in obstetrics and midwifery -- 6. Other actions in in obstetrics and midwifery -- 7. The assessment of damages -- 8. The legal status of the fetus -- 9. A question of autonomy -- 10. Applying the law of negligence -- 11. After birth: maternal liability for antenatal conduct? -- 12. The duty of care in o in obstetrics and midwifery -- 13. The reality of negligence actions and the need for reform -- 14. Conclusion: the role of the law.