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Termination of pregnancy following a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome: A qualitative study of the decision-making process of pregnant couples
| Content Provider | Scilit |
|---|---|
| Author | Lou, Stina Carstensen, Kathrine Petersen, Olav Bjørn Nielsen, Camilla Palmhøj Hvidman, Lone Lanther, Maja Retpen Vogel, Ida |
| Copyright Year | 2018 |
| Description | Journal: Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica In Denmark, first trimester screening has a very high uptake (>90%). If Down syndrome is diagnosed, termination rates are high (>95%). The aim of this study was to investigate the timing of the decision of termination of pregnancy following a Down syndrome diagnosis and the factors influencing this decision MATERIAL AND METHODS: Semi-structured, qualitative interview study with 21 couples who had received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome and decided to terminate the pregnancy. Participants were recruited from obstetric departments between February 2016 and July 2017. Data were analysed using thematic analysis RESULTS: Five themes were identified: 'initial decision-making', 'consolidating the decision' 'reasons and concerns shaping the termination of pregnancy decision', 'the right decision is also burdensome' and, 'perceived influences in decision-making'. For most couples, an initial termination of pregnancy decision was made before or during the diagnostic process, but it was re-addressed and consolidated following the actual diagnosis. Imagining a family future with a severely affected Down syndrome child was the main factor influencing the termination of pregnancy decision. The decision was articulated as 'right' but also as existentially burdensome for some due to fear of regret and concern about ending a potential life. The termination of pregnancy decision was considered a private matter between the couple, but was refined through interactions with clinicians and social network CONCLUSION: All couples made an initial decision prior to receiving the Down syndrome diagnosis. Knowledge of the couple's initial decision may facilitate patient-centred communication during and after the diagnostic process. Couples may benefit from counselling to deal with grief and existential concerns. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. |
| Ending Page | 1236 |
| Starting Page | 1228 |
| ISSN | 00221295 |
| e-ISSN | 16000412 |
| DOI | 10.1111/aogs.13386 |
| Journal | Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica |
| Issue Number | 10 |
| Volume Number | 97 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Wiley-Blackwell |
| Publisher Date | 2018-06-15 |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Subject Keyword | Journal: Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica Obstetrics and Gynecology First Trimester Screening Prenatal Diagnosis Termination of Pregnancy |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
| Subject | Obstetrics and Gynecology |
