Response to termination of pregnancy for genetic reasons.

The study was undertaken to demonstrate the reactions to termination of pregnancy for genetic reasons and to examine follow up services that are available. Women resident in Mid Glamorgan who had experienced a termination of pregnancy between 1977 and 1981 either as a result of positive findings during the alpha-fetoprotein screening programme for neural tube defect or chromosome abnormality following amniocentesis because of their high risk, were interviewed using a structured interview. Three internal comparison groups were formed from those women who had also experienced a spontaneous abortion, previous stillbirth or neonatal death and a previous therapeutic abortion. Of 48 women interviewed 77% demonstrated an acute grief reaction, 45% remained symptomatic 6 months after the pregnancy ended compared with no such reaction after spontaneous abortion or therapeutic abortion earlier in pregnancy. The response of termination of a wanted pregnancy was similar to stillbirth reaction, but follow up visits by midwife or general practitioners were limited to only 16% of the post termination group. It is concluded that such women should receive support immediately after the termination and later receive genetic counselling.