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Qualitative Pilot Study: Longitudinal Perspectives From People Who Had Second Trimester Abortions for Fetal Anomaly
Elise S Cowley1,2, Taryn M Valley3,4, Kelsey Christianson5
1Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
Background:
We investigated patient experience with abortion for fetal anomaly, about which little is known.
Methods:
This qualitative, longitudinal pilot study surveyed 7 patients twice after abortion for fetal anomaly, initially 4 to 5 days after the abortion and a follow-up 3 months post-abortion, at a single Wisconsin hospital from July 2012 to February 2014.
Results:
Patients indicated that having a choice to have an abortion and choose the modality is imperative, and they remained certain in their decision-making over time. They also described initially strong, then lacking, social support; processed grief; and identified resource constraints.
Discussion:
Patients emphasized the importance of having the choice to choose abortion and the abortion modality, remaining confident in their decision-making over time. This qualitative pilot study provides areas for future intervention to improve care for people undergoing abortion for fetal anomaly.
