Ending a pregnancy for medical reasons

Shock. Devastation. Confusion. Overwhelm.

When a diagnosis of a fetal anomaly is made, expectant parents are often faced with the confronting option of deciding whether to end their pregnancy. 

"What does this diagnosis mean for our child?"
"What is the prognosis for our child?"
"What will my baby's life look like with this condition or difference?"
"Will by baby live?"

So many questions. Some only answerable in shades of grey with vague statistical probabilities, or even medical specialists admitting "we don't know".

At the time of receiving news that their baby is not developing as expected, parents are often overwhelmed with the information they are given. As the hours, days or weeks unfold, and the information is processed, the burden of choice to continue or to end their pregnancy can leave parents feeling adrift and alone.

People may have to wait for later tests to reveal further information regarding prognosis.
The time waiting between appointments can feel painfully long when all people want is immediate and complete medical information.

Most people have been imagining and planning for a future with their baby in it. A bond and a connection to the baby may have already formed regardless of the gestation. Family and older children may have excitedly been anticipating the arrival of their baby.

As psychologists who work with clients who have received fetal diagnoses, we sit alongside
them as they grapple with the meaning of the diagnosis in light of each person's

• understanding of the prognosis
• feelings and views (which can differ)
• life implications and options
• values
• potential family outcomes
• future plans
• perceived coping capacities

We respect that everyone's decision, and decision-making process is different. We work with couples to explore how they think and feel about the information they have been given.

These decisions are deeply personal, and can involve complex and changing emotional consequences. We support people at all stages of their decision-making process, and beyond.

Everyone is different.
Everyone processes information in their unique way and in their own time.
People differ in their ongoing support needs.

Read the full resource "Decision-making when a fetal diagnosis is made" for Through the Unexpected, Written by Dr Renée Miller Perinatal Clinical Psychologist

For non-directive counselling support, the psychologists from the Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network are here.

You are not alone.