Factors affecting parental decisions for termination of pregnancy in the presence of a prenatal trisomy 21 diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to research the effective factors on decision-making process to terminate or continue the pregnancy in trisomy 21.

METHODS

A total of 103 patients who had a confirmed trisomy 21 diagnosis in a tertiary center were involved in this study. Demographic data, obstetric history, educational status, family income, and maternal employment were compared between termination of pregnancy and continuation of pregnancy (non-termination of pregnancy) groups. Also, possible effective factors on parents' decisions were evaluated by a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Maternal age, number of miscarriages, number of living children, maternal and paternal educational status, family income, maternal working status, and detected fetal anomalies were not found to be effective on the decision-making process. Early diagnosis was correlated with a higher termination of pregnancy ratio. Psychological and economic factors, concerns of having less time and energy for other children, and career concerns were significantly effective in the termination of pregnancy group. While in the non-termination of pregnancy group, religious factors were the main concern.

CONCLUSION

Gestational age at diagnosis, psychological factors, economic status, and religious concerns seem to be the possible factors behind deciding termination of pregnancy in pregnancies with trisomy 21.