Clients undergoing chorionic villus sampling versus amniocentesis: contrasting attitudes toward pregnancy

We analyzed interview data from 44 primarily white, middle-class women who had used the prenatal diagnostic technique of chorionic villus sampling (CVS: n = 24) or amniocentesis (n = 20). CVS provides earlier results but carries a somewhat higher risk of miscarriage. Amniocentesis clients were highly committed to the pregnancy and expressed considerable anxiety over the possibility of having to terminate it should an abnormality be diagnosed. CVS clients seemed less bonded to the fetus and less concerned about losing a pregnancy several termed "replaceable." Thus, with its first-trimester abortion decision, CVS redefines prenatal diagnostic issues for women.