Termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormality

Abstract

A small but important minority of pregnant women will be diagnosed with a fetal abnormality, and most women diagnosed with a serious fetal abnormality choose to terminate the pregnancy. Midwives have a key role to play in providing high quality care to women given a diagnosis of fetal anomaly. This includes provision of information about the option of and methods of termination, which may be discussed before women opt into screening. Both medical and surgical termination are safe and effective, but involve very different experiences for the patient and her support person. Therefore, both options should be available to all women having a termination for fetal abnormality up to 24 weeks gestation and health professionals should help women to choose the method which best suits their individual coping style. In addition to medical advice about future pregnancy planning, women may need ongoing emotional and psychological support after their termination.