Grieving the wanted child: ramifications of abortion after prenatal diagnosis of abnormality

Prenatal diagnosis is increasingly common. Whereas amniocentesis is typically performed in the second trimester, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a first-trimester procedure, which makes an earlier, safer abortion possible. However, CVS carries a slightly higher risk of miscarriage and other complications. In choosing a procedure, couples (with the aid of genetic counseling) must weigh the risks of miscarriage against the odds and implications of an abnormal diagnosis. Interviews with women who decided on abortions after amniocentesis or CVS and meetings with genetic counselors indicate that both types of abortion are more traumatic than is commonly realized. Both dash dreams and hopes. Termination after amniocentesis also forces the mother to take an active part in the life and death of a nearly viable fetus. Yet, because abortions for fetal abnormality are statistically rare, there is little societal understanding and minimal support for those who experience them. This is true of health care workers as well as for the couple's primary support group.