Maternal decision to terminate pregnancy in case of Down syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
This study explores decisional processes regarding termination of pregnancy because of Down syndrome and aims to identify possibilities for improving counseling.


METHODS
Seventy-one women completed questionnaires 4 months after termination of pregnancy for Down syndrome, including motivations for the decision, reasons for doubt, perceived influence and/or pressure at decision-making, and satisfaction with the received health care.


RESULTS
Child-related motivations to the termination were the most frequently mentioned, but almost all women indicated also motives of self-interest. Twenty-one percent of women reported much doubt. Perceived influence of the medical staff was substantial, but most women felt that they had not been put under pressure. Satisfaction with the caregivers was high.


CONCLUSIONS
Women acknowledge that self-interested motives play an important role. Medical caregivers are among the most important persons for women who decide to terminate pregnancy because of Down syndrome.
Korenromp
Marijke J
MJ
Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Korenromp@umcutrecht.nl
Page-Christiaens
Godelieve C M L
GC
van den Bout
Jan
J
Mulder
Eduard J H
EJ
Visser
Gerard H A
GH
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D002755:Choice Behavior; D004314:Down Syndrome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires