Anencephalic

/ˌænɛnˈsɛfəlɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or affected by anencephaly, the condition where the brain and skull are severely underdeveloped at birth.

Etymology

From anencephalia plus the adjective suffix -ic, describing the characteristics or presence of the condition of missing brain tissue.

Kelly Says

An anencephalic fetus can be detected through ultrasound screening during pregnancy, which has led to complex ethical discussions in medicine about prenatal diagnosis and difficult decisions families face.

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