Cancer in pregnancy is extremely rare, affecting approximately 1 in 2000 pregnancies. A rise in incidence is expected and is becoming evident in population-based studies. Delayed child-bearing and non-invasive prenatal testing (which may detect asymptomatic cancer) are the most likely contributory factors.

Abortion demands that we explore some of the most fundamental debates in philosophical ethics, such as whether it is ever acceptable to kill another person; whether the rights of one person (such as a mother) can trump the rights of another (such as a fetus); and whether human life has intrinsic value.