Attitudes about genetic risk of couples undergoing in-vitro fertilization.
Many couples undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) are at a higher risk of having a child with a genetic abnormality. In a sample of 55 consecutive couples starting IVF, only 33% had no genetic risk factor. The most common genetic risks were advanced maternal age and possible abnormalities associated with severe male infertility. Despite education on these risks, 71% of couples had no interest in receiving formal genetic counselling. Only 14% of couples at risk would consider using a gamete donor to avoid transmitting a genetic disorder to a child. The triple test to screen for fetal abnormalities was acceptable to 82% of couples, but only 47% planned to have amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling. Couples were significantly more likely to opt for prenatal testing if they would consider terminating a pregnancy should the fetus have a severe genetic abnormality (P < 0.01). Roman Catholic couples tended to have more conservative attitudes about pregnancy termination. Socio-economic status and whether the infertility factor was male or female were not predictors of a couple's attitudes.
Schover
L R
LR
Department of Urology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA.
Thomas
A J
AJ
Falcone
T
T
Attaran
M
M
Goldberg
J
J
D000025:Abortion, Eugenic; D000028:Abortion, Induced; D001294:Attitude to Health; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D012307:Risk Factors