Late termination for fetal abnormality: providing essential information for parents

Abstract

Termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormality in the second half of pregnancy is a distressing experience for parents who are often fearful of the process of termination. Some of this fear may be engendered by a lack of information, and staff caring for couples in this situation may not feel sufficiently sure of the likely course of late termination to answer their questions. There is little existing literature to provide guidance. We studied all late terminations for abnormality occurring in our unit over an 18-month period in order to provide parents and staff with appropriate information.