title: Termination for fetal anomaly: are women in England given a choice of method?
abstract: Choice of a medical or surgical method of termination for fetal anomaly (TFA) is advocated in national guidelines based on a similar risk profile. We investigated whether women are offered a choice of method, by surveying members of a UK parent support organisation. An online questionnaire was designed to examine respondents' experience of TFA. A total of 351 responses were included in the final analysis. TFAs after 24 weeks' gestation and selective reductions were excluded. Mean gestational age at TFA was 17 weeks; 14% (n = 50) were offered a choice of method, falling to 8% (n = 19) after 14 weeks' gestation. Overall, 78% (n = 275) underwent medical TFA with 88% stating they chose it because it was the only method offered; 60% (n = 30) of those offered a choice had a surgical TFA. Our survey suggests that women having TFA are not offered a choice of method. Service delivery should be improved to meet national guidance and women's needs.
authors: Antenatal Results and Choices , London.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Fisher
authors: P A
authors: PA
authors: Lohr
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Lafarge
authors: S C
authors: SC
authors: Robson
mesh_terms: D000025:Abortion, Eugenic / Q000379:methods*; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D010358:Patient Participation; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Antenatal screening; informed choice; prenatal diagnosis; termination for fetal anomaly; women's preferences