An exploration of women's reasons for termination timing in the setting of fetal abnormalities

Termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormality: a meta-ethnography of women’s experiences

“…34 For many women, the decision to end the pregnancy is a decision they wish they never had to make. 38 However, the distress at having to make the decision can co-exist with relief at being given the opportunity to make it, 27,29,31 sparing this child a life of suffering and sparing other children having to care for an impaired sibling. Ambivalence is also apparent in women's emotional relationship to the baby, moving between the need to protect and distance themselves, and "fighting love for their baby".…”

“…28 Some struggle with their values and spiritual beliefs over the decision to terminate. 27,[29][30][31]38 Terminating the pregnancy also has profound consequences for women's self-identity as mothers, as it implies choosing between becoming the "mother of a disabled child or a bereaved mother". 30 Some women blame themselves for the abnormality, while others question their moral courage for choosing not to have a child with impairment.…”

“…27,30 Many women start their pregnancy with a (false) sense of security that "their baby would be fine", 30 and the pregnancy normal. 30,38 Learning of the abnormality represents a "loss of innocence", which *Further methodological details are available from the corresponding author. women long to recapture and generates a heightened sense of vulnerability.…”

“…It is a subtle balancing act between the baby's prospects and potential quality of life, and the woman's, her partner's and children's needs. [27][28][29]31,38 It often carries high levels of uncertainty as many diagnoses are based on probabilities. 34 For many women, the decision to end the pregnancy is a decision they wish they never had to make.…”

“…29 Regaining control Many women feel, to various degrees, powerless, with a lack of control over emotions and grief. They are unprepared for the magnitude and duration of the pain [27][28][29][30][31]36 and the "rollercoaster" 27,38 of emotions experienced post-termination. Attempts to regain control over the situation include controlling their social environment by limiting contact with others 27,40 and self-disclosure.…”