Prenatal testing and termination of future pregnancies in Arab mothers of children with severe defects: impact of Moslem cleric or physician on the decision making

Lutfi Jaber,Samer Samara,Gabrielle J Halpern

doi:10.4236/ojgen.2011.13010

Abstract

The authors investigated: 1) How many of 250 Israeli Arab mothers (50% in consanguineous marriages) of babies with severe congenital anomalies had undergone prenatal testing during pregnancy, and how many had refused termination of pregnancy (TOP) when recommended; 2) Why TOP had been refused; 3) Attitudes regarding prenatal testing and TOP in future pregnancies; and 4) Whether the women would have changed their decision had they been able to talk to a Moslem cleric or Moslem doctor in addition to the regular personnel. Eighty seven (35%) refused to even consider TOP, 55 (22%) agreed to undergo TOP, and 87 (35%) agreed provided the procedure would be performed before 120 days gestation. The remainder were undecided. Of 195 women, the addition of a Moslem religious cleric or physician to the Committee would influence 89 (46%) and 55 (28%), respectively, to change their opinion and agree to TOP, and 26 (13%) and 10 (5%), respectively, to change their opinion and agree to TOP prior to 120 days of gestation. The remainder either continued to refuse TOP or were undecided.

Highlights

Congenital malformations and various genetic disorders are common and affect 3% - 5% of all newborns
The authors investigated: 1) How many of 250 Israeli Arab mothers (50% in consanguineous marriages) of babies with severe congenital anomalies had undergone prenatal testing during pregnancy, and how many had refused termination of pregnancy (TOP) when recommended; 2) Why TOP had been refused; 3) Attitudes regarding prenatal testing and TOP in future pregnancies; and 4) Whether the women would have changed their decision had they been able to talk to a Moslem cleric or Moslem doctor in addition to the regular personnel
Each family answered a series of structured questions regarding their demographic details, socioeconomic status, and whether the women had undergone any tests, such as alphafetoprotein, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), molecular genetic testing, or carrier screening for various genetic diseases either before or during the pregnancy

Summary

Introduction

Congenital malformations and various genetic disorders are common and affect 3% - 5% of all newborns. A survey conducted in 2000 by Jaber et al in selected regions of Israel showed a drop to 32% [10]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion