Expectant parents’ attitudes to termination of pregnancy in general and in cases of fetal abnormality

Abstract

The aim of this article was to explore whether expectant parents’ attitudes to termination or continuation of pregnancy, both in general and in case of fetal abnormality, are affected by previous experiences of miscarriage and whether attitudes change after ultrasound screening with normal findings. It was also of interest to investigate differences in attitudes in relation to age, parity and gender. A prospective one-year cohort study was carried out. Questionnaires were administered before and after the ultrasound examination. Analyses included 1258 women and 925 men. A comparison between the results pre- and post-ultrasound showed that after the ultrasound examination, there were significant changes towards a more positive attitude to give birth to a baby with an abnormality. Men were significantly more willing to terminate for a fetal abnormality and significantly less hesitant towards abortion in general than women. Women aged 35 years or older were significantly less willing to give birth to a baby with an abnormality and significantly more positive to termination for fetal abnormality than younger women. Parents showed understanding attitudes towards other parents’ decisions no matter what these were. We conclude that parents need individualized information and support in connection with prenatal diagnosis, due to parental hesitancy. Midwives play an important role in this.