Feticide does not modify duration of labor induction in cases of medical termination of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the general characteristics and clinical outcome of women who underwent medical termination of pregnancy preceded or not by feticide.

METHODS

A total of 146 women of diverse gestational ages, who had received a sonographic or genetic diagnosis of fetal abnormality incompatible with postnatal life and chose to legally terminate their pregnancy, had labor induced following feticide (n = 82) or without having feticide performed (n = 64).

RESULTS

The number of obstetrical procedures was higher (p = 0.001) in the feticide group. Time of labor induction and complications were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Feticide does not alter the clinical obstetrical course of women undergoing medical termination of pregnancy, and poses no risk to maternal health regardless of gestational age.