Termination of Pregnancy Following Diagnosis of Fetal Malformation: The Need for Improved Follow-up Services

Eighty parents were offered an emotional support and counseling service following termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormality detected by second trimester ultrasound examination. Twenty couples took up the invitation to talk about their experiences. It was found that these women and their partners were profoundly affected by their decision to terminate the pregnancy. The lack of organized follow-up by existing agencies and the availability of professional support for these parents is a serious deficiency in our prenatal diagnostic services.