Women, midwives and screening tests

Abstract

Midwives are often the main source of information when describing screening tests that are available to women. This article aims to demonstrate how people resolve the conflicts that arise when faced with uncertain choices and how midwives need to respect and respond to those decisions. Midwives must be aware of their ethical and legal responsibilities when offering screening tests and when supporting women in their decisions.

Exploring the perspective of midwives involved in offering serum screening for Down’s syndrome in Northern Ireland

“…Although options of care are available to women which include other health professionals such as General Practitioners (GP’s) or obstetricians, the midwife remains an important source of information for women. Despite the many recent developments regarding advanced practice and specialist roles within midwifery, the delivery of information and education of women continues to be a core focus of midwifery care (Bennett 2002, Stapleton et al. 2002).…”