Termination for fetal anomaly: Are women in England given a choice of method?. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fisher, J.; Lohr, P. A.; Lafarge, C.; Robson, S. C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology. Volume 35:Number 2(2015)
• Page Start: 168
• Page End: 172
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.3109/01443615.2014.940291
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-3615

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p>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% (<italic>n</italic> = 50) were offered a choice of method, falling to 8% (<italic>n</italic> = 19) after 14 weeks' gestation. Overall, 78% (<italic>n</italic> = 275) underwent medical TFA with 88% stating they chose it because it was the only method offered; 60% (<italic>n</italic> = 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.</p> </abstract>