title: [Pregnancy termination in fetal abnormalities].
abstract: The procedure for abortion as a result of malformation of the fetus is the same as in other cases (Art. 120 StGB). The medical situation requires a specialist's recommendation, which in the Canton of St. Gallen is carried out by consultants in psychotherapy and psychiatry. Approximately 90% of these recommendations are carried out in the social psychiatric service (SPD). For the evaluation, the women's views should be taken into consideration and their attitudes established and respected. The purpose of the talks should be to evaluate the possible health hazards for the pregnant woman. Women who are confronted with the diagnosis of fetal malformation (average 3.6 per year in the SPD) find themselves extremely pressurized by this situation. Very often in these cases the pregnancy has been planned and is therefore wanted. They have already formulated their own image of the unborn child, from which the picture of an unhealthy child is excluded. Therefore, the shock is even greater when an unhealthy pregnancy is diagnosed. Amplifying this are the social and normative significances which influence the woman's decision. In a survey carried out by the SPD, those affected and the consultants were questioned about their experiences. For the latter, the question of life and death, as well as the relevant decision-making, was more fundamental than with other types of pregnancy. In addition, the topic can be influenced by subjective views. It is therefore important to realize the potential for transference of opinion/concept. The affected women, the majority of whom were in good health at the time of questioning, felt the situation to be extremely stressful, and for most it was very demanding to have to come for further consultancy to yet another organization. Discussions of all kinds, especially with other women in the same situation, were thought to be very helpful, above all after the operation.
authors.affiliation: Sozialpsychiatrischer Dienst des Kantons St. Gallen.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ryser
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003253:Consultants; D003657:Decision Making; D004644:Emotions; D005104:Expert Testimony; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000002:abnormalities*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D012949:Social Work, Psychiatric; D013557:Switzerland; D014167:Transference, Psychology
vernacular_title: Schwangerschaftsunterbrechungen bei kindlicher Fehlbildung.