title: Genetic abortion: considerations for patient care.
abstract: Women who receive abnormal prenatal diagnosis results potentially face two emotionally difficult decisions. In this article, the first decision--whether or not to terminate the pregnancy--is presented with a discussion of the factors that may influence a women's choice. Women who choose to terminate the pregnancy face a second decision when more than one type of abortion procedure is available. Two second trimester abortion procedures--dilation and evacuation and labor induction--are compared and contrasted to delineate potential advantages and disadvantages of each. The decision-making process is examined, emphasizing the individual ways in which women may weigh this information to make a fully informed decision. In addition, a number of recommendations are offered to health care providers in the role of discussing options and supporting women in their choices.
authors.affiliation: Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, California, USA.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bourguignon
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Briscoe
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nemzer
mesh_terms: D000032:Abortion, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000523:psychology*; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000523:psychology*; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support