Pregnancy termination at viable stage in daily clinical practice: A nationwide mortality follow-back study in Flanders, Belgium.

Abstract

Congenital malformations are frequently diagnosed prenatally, even at viable stage. No adequate registration of incidence and characteristics of late termination of pregnancy (TOP) or abortion for medical reasons in Flanders exists. Nationwide mortality follow-back survey, sent to physicians signing death certificates of all stillbirths from 22 weeks gestation onward (September 2016 - December 20217) in Flanders, Belgium. Questions measured whether late TOP preceded stillbirth, and which clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were indicated. Questionnaire data were linked with sociodemographic information from death certificates. Response rate was 56% (203/366). 38% of stillbirths (77/203) concerned late TOP. In 88.3% of late TOPs, physicians classified congenital anomalies of the foetus as serious or very serious (incompatibility with life outside the womb or severe neurological or physical impairment). In 26% of cases, late TOP was first suggested by the physician rather than spontaneously requested by parents (73%). 88% of late TOPs was discussed in open team meetings. 2/5 stillbirths were preceded by late TOP, indicating severe underreportation by existing registrations and a dire need for adequate registration methods. Although late TOP was most often explicitly requested by parents, in ¼ cases termination was suggested first by physicians. Parents are sometimes hesitant to bring up late TOP themselves, indicating that TOP should always be counseled as an equivalent option. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.