• Topic
• >> Antenatal Screening >> Attitudes to disability and termination >> Attitudes to disability and termination

Attitudes to disability and termination

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Attitudes to disability and termination >> Attitudes to disability and termination

Attitudes to disability and termination

• Clip
• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN02 >> She had a surgical termination at just over 14 weeks. She felt no-one treated her sympathetically or recognised her distress on the day it happened.

1997 - nuchal scan and CVS confirmed Down's syndrome - decided to end the pregnancy. Has since had a healthy baby and is now pregnant again. Had CVS again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN40 >> It was hard taking the mifepristone tablets to prepare for the termination. She kept wondering if the diagnosis was wrong.

Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Baby son born since.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN35 >> They would have preferred the baby to die before the termination, and at first misunderstood the effect of the mifepristone tablets. Waiting between t

Combined nuchal scan/blood test suggested high risk; early results ruled out trisomies but subsequently diagnosed a severe form of Turner's syndrome. Couple decided to end the pregnancy; now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN16 >> They felt relieved after taking the mifepristone tablets, and began to feel ending the pregnancy would be a positive experience.

Anencephaly detected at 20-week scan in first pregnancy. Considered continuing the pregnancy but eventually decided to induce labour early. Second pregnancy miscarried. Now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN36 >> Having an injection to ensure the baby died before the induction at 23 weeks was not as bad as anticipated, but still distressing.

Nuchal scan in first pregnancy gave low risk result, but anomaly scan at 21 weeks detected abnormalities, confirmed as Edwards' syndrome by amniocentesis. Couple decided to end the pregnancy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN16 >> She was given clear information about the process of ending the pregnancy, what medication she would have and how long it would take.

Anencephaly detected at 20-week scan in first pregnancy. Considered continuing the pregnancy but eventually decided to induce labour early. Second pregnancy miscarried. Now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN32 >> The nurses and one of the doctors were very supportive during the termination, but other staff were sometimes less sympathetic.

Problems detected in first pregnancy at routine 12 week dating scan - confirmed as Edward's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN31 >> The hospital had a special room for people experiencing a termination. The midwives were very supportive to both parents.

Problems detected in first pregnancy at nuchal scan - confirmed as Down's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Subsequent normal pregnancy and birth.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN18 >> When they arrived for the termination no-one knew they were coming. They had a long wait to see the consultant.

Spina bifida detected at 20-week scan in first pregnancy - some family history of the condition. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN35 >> The father could not face looking at the baby afterwards, but the mother did. The hospital chaplain performed a naming ceremony.

Combined nuchal scan/blood test suggested high risk; early results ruled out trisomies but subsequently diagnosed a severe form of Turner's syndrome. Couple decided to end the pregnancy; now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN40 >> She decided not to look at the baby, but sometimes wonders if it would have helped. She has kept photographs.

Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Baby son born since.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN18 >> She was given conflicting advice about whether she could dress the baby after a termination at 20 weeks, which upset her.

Spina bifida detected at 20-week scan in first pregnancy - some family history of the condition. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN18 >> She did not receive the hospital leaflet explaining that she would have some bleeding and her milk would come in.

Spina bifida detected at 20-week scan in first pregnancy - some family history of the condition. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN32 >> Seeing the baby reassured her that the diagnosis of Edwards' syndrome was correct. Her husband chose not to look.

Problems detected in first pregnancy at routine 12 week dating scan - confirmed as Edward's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN17 >> Sometimes she wishes she had not made the decision to end the pregnancy so quickly, and has mixed feelings about whether she did the right thing.

Hydrocephalus detected by 20-week scan and amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Felt the decision to end the pregnancy was rushed. Miscarriage and two healthy pregnancies since.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN31 >> She will never feel comfortable with the decision to end the pregnancy, but counselling has helped turn guilt into regret.

Problems detected in first pregnancy at nuchal scan - confirmed as Down's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Subsequent normal pregnancy and birth.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN36 >> Counselling after the termination helped her and her husband understand their different ways of grieving.

Nuchal scan in first pregnancy gave low risk result, but anomaly scan at 21 weeks detected abnormalities, confirmed as Edwards' syndrome by amniocentesis. Couple decided to end the pregnancy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN35 >> The father felt more certain than the mother that they had done the right thing. Going back to work helped him recover.

Combined nuchal scan/blood test suggested high risk; early results ruled out trisomies but subsequently diagnosed a severe form of Turner's syndrome. Couple decided to end the pregnancy; now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN16 >> Deciding whether to continue or end a pregnancy can place great strain on relationships. It has to be a joint decision.

Anencephaly detected at 20-week scan in first pregnancy. Considered continuing the pregnancy but eventually decided to induce labour early. Second pregnancy miscarried. Now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN35 >> There is much stigma and social disapproval around termination. They want people to understand what a hard decision it was.

Combined nuchal scan/blood test suggested high risk; early results ruled out trisomies but subsequently diagnosed a severe form of Turner's syndrome. Couple decided to end the pregnancy; now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN17 >> She considered not having any screening in her next pregnancy. Screening is valuable but sometimes raises more questions than it answers.

Hydrocephalus detected by 20-week scan and amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Felt the decision to end the pregnancy was rushed. Miscarriage and two healthy pregnancies since.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN18 >> She would definitely want screening again, but will always feel anxious in subsequent pregnancies that something could go wrong.

Spina bifida detected at 20-week scan in first pregnancy - some family history of the condition. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN35 >> At the 20-week scan in their current pregnancy, they were given the folder with results from the previous pregnancy by mistake.

Combined nuchal scan/blood test suggested high risk; early results ruled out trisomies but subsequently diagnosed a severe form of Turner's syndrome. Couple decided to end the pregnancy; now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN02 >> In her current pregnancy she decided to have CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling). She found it hard to understand how her risk was calculated this time.

1997 - nuchal scan and CVS confirmed Down's syndrome - decided to end the pregnancy. Has since had a healthy baby and is now pregnant again. Had CVS again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Baby's condition detected after birth >> Interview AN12 >> Having another baby with Down's syndrome would have major implications for the family, but it would be difficult to contemplate termination. Media ima

Second child born with Down's syndrome after low risk nuchal scan results, and no problems detected at 20-week scan. Home birth. Daughter now aged two.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Baby's condition detected after birth >> Interview AN03 >> They were glad they did not know the diagnosis before birth, as it would have made them worry throughout pregnancy and perhaps created pressure to hav

Daughter born November 2000 with congenital heart problems not detected by antenatal screening, diagnosed when the baby was 10 weeks old. Corrective surgery at 11 months and 2 years.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN39 >> You can never predict how you would react if you found out something was wrong with your baby.

Hypoplastic left heart suspected at 19-week scan, confirmed by cardiac scan. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Chose amniocentesis in next pregnancy (baby born 2002).

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN28 >> She felt well advised by healthcare staff about the purpose and consequences of screening.

Healthy pregnancy after an early miscarriage. Interviewee has a brother with severe learning disabilities and describes having genetic screening and counselling in early pregnancy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN37 >> She would encourage parents to think carefully why they are having screening and what they would do if an abnormality is found.

Couple declined screening on principle in previous two and current pregnancy. Had a scan at around 20 weeks in two pregnancies for dating purposes only.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN22 >> She feels society is too concerned with perfection. There needs to be more debate about support for people with disabilities.

Declined all screening except 20-week anomaly scan in two most recent pregnancies.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN24 >> A further scan also suggested she was at low risk of Down's syndrome, but she still wanted amniocentesis to know for certain.

Family history of Down's syndrome. Had amniocentesis in both pregnancies to rule out Down's syndrome, even though nuchal scan results were low risk.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN22 >> She decided to have no screening except the anomaly scan because she could not contemplate a termination, especially after a miscarriage.

Declined all screening except 20-week anomaly scan in two most recent pregnancies.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN37 >> She decided not to have any screening because it creates anxiety and as a Christian she would never have a termination.

Couple declined screening on principle in previous two and current pregnancy. Had a scan at around 20 weeks in two pregnancies for dating purposes only.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN37 >> He did not want screening because as a Christian he feels it undermines people with disabilities and he would never consider termination.

Couple declined screening on principle in previous two and current pregnancy. Had a scan at around 20 weeks in two pregnancies for dating purposes only.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN34 >> She and her partner agreed quickly about screening but their views might change now they already have a baby.

Routine screening experiences. Healthy baby born 2002.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN33 >> She did not want screening because she would not have further tests, and would rather not worry for the rest of the pregnancy.

Couple declined all early screening in two pregnancies, because they would not consider terminating an affected pregnancy, but did have 20-week anomaly scans. Currently pregnant.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN33 >> Screening cannot give you definite information and having further tests would mean more anxiety.

Couple declined all early screening in two pregnancies, because they would not consider terminating an affected pregnancy, but did have 20-week anomaly scans. Currently pregnant.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN19 >> A friend who had a child with Down's syndrome worried about what would happen to the child when she died.

Normal first pregnancy, routine screening experiences, including combined nuchal scan and blood test.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN09 >> She did not want to know if her baby had Down's syndrome but wanted to know about neural tube problems because of her family history.

Routine screening in two pregnancies - declined screening for Down's syndrome. Family history of hydrocephalus led to early prenatal counselling but no risk identified.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN02 >> A friend said she would never have screening to look for problems but had in fact had scans.

1997 - nuchal scan and CVS confirmed Down's syndrome - decided to end the pregnancy. Has since had a healthy baby and is now pregnant again. Had CVS again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN33 >> They explained why they had the anomaly scan but not blood tests and why they felt differently about them.

Couple declined all early screening in two pregnancies, because they would not consider terminating an affected pregnancy, but did have 20-week anomaly scans. Currently pregnant.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN37 >> He feels people should be more fully informed about the purpose of screening and that it could lead to termination.

Couple declined screening on principle in previous two and current pregnancy. Had a scan at around 20 weeks in two pregnancies for dating purposes only.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN05 >> She thought about not having screening, but her husband was in favour of having every test available, for reassurance.

4 months pregnant. Normal screening results. One scan in early pregnancy, no other scans planned. Alphafetoprotein results not yet received.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN09 >> She and her husband had different views about how they would cope with a child with physical or learning disabilities.

Routine screening in two pregnancies - declined screening for Down's syndrome. Family history of hydrocephalus led to early prenatal counselling but no risk identified.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN01 >> When she and her husband discussed their feelings about disability after screening, they discovered they had different views.

Normal first pregnancy, routine screening experiences. Had to spend time in hospital late in pregnancy for investigation of bleeding.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN23 >> She and her partner agreed quickly what they'd do with screening results, but it was difficult to start the discussion.

After initial contact with NHS, decided to have antenatal care in France, including 3 scans with normal results. Baby born 2 months early in England.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN21 >> She did not want to influence her husband's views about screening, but they found they agreed.

Normal first pregnancy; some early scanning after bleeding in first trimester. Screening includes nuchal translucency scan and blood testing.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN13 >> They discussed at length what they would do with screening results, but he felt he should support his partner's decision.

Healthy pregnancy after 2 miscarriages; following nuchal scan results they considered amniocentesis and decided against. Baby born healthy, although mother had obstetric cholestasis in late pregnancy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN14 >> They postponed discussion of what they might do about their screening results until they had further information to discuss.

Seven and a half months pregnant with twins conceived by IVF. Has had scans throughout pregnancy; nuchal translucency scan had to be repeated because of the babies' position.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN25 >> They did not discuss in advance what they would do with the results of screening, and were waiting until they had further information.

Two normal pregnancies. Nuchal scan not available locally, so had blood screening. Unable to have 20-week scan in first pregnancy because of staff shortages.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN19 >> She and her husband agreed they would have chosen to end the pregnancy if the baby had Down's syndrome.

Normal first pregnancy, routine screening experiences, including combined nuchal scan and blood test.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN05 >> She did not want to worry about something being wrong unless it actually happened.

4 months pregnant. Normal screening results. One scan in early pregnancy, no other scans planned. Alphafetoprotein results not yet received.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN11 >> She and her partner had different views about what they would do with the results of screening tests, so they postponed further discussion.

Normal first pregnancy; screening carried out in US, before return to UK when 6 months pregnant. Declined amniocentesis (offered as standard). Compares US and UK.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN23 >> Having seen her cousin's experience of Down's syndrome, she would not want to see her own child go through the same thing.

After initial contact with NHS, decided to have antenatal care in France, including 3 scans with normal results. Baby born 2 months early in England.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN21 >> From previous experience, she felt having a baby with Down's syndrome would put pressure on her relationship with her husband.

Normal first pregnancy; some early scanning after bleeding in first trimester. Screening includes nuchal translucency scan and blood testing.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN11 >> Having a great-aunt who had Down's syndrome, she would want to know in advance if her baby had the condition, but would continue the pregnancy.

Normal first pregnancy; screening carried out in US, before return to UK when 6 months pregnant. Declined amniocentesis (offered as standard). Compares US and UK.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN21 >> Having talked to her GP, she felt there was little point in having screening if you would not consider termination.

Normal first pregnancy; some early scanning after bleeding in first trimester. Screening includes nuchal translucency scan and blood testing.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN30 >> When they went for the nuchal scan, the sonographer asked why they would want to know about abnormalities if they would not consider a termination.

Down's syndrome suspected at nuchal scan. Couple declined amniocentesis and continued with the pregnancy. Further scans suggested heart problems (operated on successfully since baby's birth).

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN11 >> Her doctor in America advised her it was useful preparation to find out before birth if the baby had any problems.

Normal first pregnancy; screening carried out in US, before return to UK when 6 months pregnant. Declined amniocentesis (offered as standard). Compares US and UK.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN14 >> It is helpful preparation to find out in advance if the baby has problems.

Seven and a half months pregnant with twins conceived by IVF. Has had scans throughout pregnancy; nuchal translucency scan had to be repeated because of the babies' position.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN27 >> She talked about the impact of sickle cell disease on her friend's family and how it would affect her own thinking.

Healthy pregnancy, routine screening. Some blood test results came back abnormal. Levels of information and choice have been a concern.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN05 >> Nuchal scans were not available on the NHS locally and she did not feel the need to have one privately.

4 months pregnant. Normal screening results. One scan in early pregnancy, no other scans planned. Alphafetoprotein results not yet received.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Normal results or declining screening >> Interview AN28 >> She felt by the time of the 20-week scan it would be too late to consider ending the pregnancy.

Healthy pregnancy after an early miscarriage. Interviewee has a brother with severe learning disabilities and describes having genetic screening and counselling in early pregnancy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN18 >> She relied only on scans in her next pregnancy, and felt the triple test might make her anxious unnecessarily.

Spina bifida detected at 20-week scan in first pregnancy - some family history of the condition. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN29 >> She had a cordocentesis when a heart condition was diagnosed in her fifth pregnancy, to check if the baby had Down's syndrome as well. They needed to

After four miscarriages, scan in fifth pregnancy found heart defects. Couple decided to continue the pregnancy. Son, now 4, has had some additional problems. Pregnant at time of interview.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN30 >> Meeting someone who had a baby with Down's syndrome made her re-think whether she should have amniocentesis, but her GP helped clarify her thoughts.

Down's syndrome suspected at nuchal scan. Couple declined amniocentesis and continued with the pregnancy. Further scans suggested heart problems (operated on successfully since baby's birth).

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN32 >> She was unhappy with the information given at her first hospital, but things improved when she saw a specialist.

Problems detected in first pregnancy at routine 12 week dating scan - confirmed as Edward's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN36 >> Waiting for the amniocentesis results over a weekend was awful. They searched the internet for information to help make their decision.

Nuchal scan in first pregnancy gave low risk result, but anomaly scan at 21 weeks detected abnormalities, confirmed as Edwards' syndrome by amniocentesis. Couple decided to end the pregnancy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN40 >> The midwife came in person with her amniocentesis results. She was stunned to hear the baby had Down's syndrome.

Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Baby son born since.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN39 >> The hospital was sensitive in the way it gave her information about the baby's heart condition and the possibility of ending the pregnancy.

Hypoplastic left heart suspected at 19-week scan, confirmed by cardiac scan. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Chose amniocentesis in next pregnancy (baby born 2002).

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN40 >> The midwife gave them excellent information about Down's syndrome and about the process of termination, but with hindsight it might have been better t

Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Baby son born since.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN36 >> It was valuable advice to take time to reflect on their decision to end the pregnancy and keep testing each other's feelings. They have positive memor

Nuchal scan in first pregnancy gave low risk result, but anomaly scan at 21 weeks detected abnormalities, confirmed as Edwards' syndrome by amniocentesis. Couple decided to end the pregnancy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN16 >> The consultant was shocked to discover they had not understood their baby's condition and had to find information themselves.

Anencephaly detected at 20-week scan in first pregnancy. Considered continuing the pregnancy but eventually decided to induce labour early. Second pregnancy miscarried. Now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN31 >> She decided not to meet another woman with a baby with Down's syndrome, because she would feel under pressure to continue the pregnancy.

Problems detected in first pregnancy at nuchal scan - confirmed as Down's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Subsequent normal pregnancy and birth.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN02 >> From her experience of meeting children with Down's syndrome she did not realise the range of disability and health problems it could involve, from mi

1997 - nuchal scan and CVS confirmed Down's syndrome - decided to end the pregnancy. Has since had a healthy baby and is now pregnant again. Had CVS again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN17 >> She felt too much information about the process of termination might have deterred her from having one. She wanted information and guidance in stages.

Hydrocephalus detected by 20-week scan and amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Felt the decision to end the pregnancy was rushed. Miscarriage and two healthy pregnancies since.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN31 >> She felt the consultant was unsympathetic and wanted her to decide quickly whether to end the pregnancy. He said she could have more children.

Problems detected in first pregnancy at nuchal scan - confirmed as Down's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Subsequent normal pregnancy and birth.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN29 >> The information from screening and diagnosis helped them in deciding to continue with the pregnancy. They were offered the option of ending the pregna

After four miscarriages, scan in fifth pregnancy found heart defects. Couple decided to continue the pregnancy. Son, now 4, has had some additional problems. Pregnant at time of interview.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN15 >> She wanted to keep the baby, although she was advised to have a termination. She felt at 8 months it was simply too late.

Following two miscarriages, during next pregnancy had frequent scans. A scan at 8 months unexpectedly found hydrocephalus and brain problems. Termination offered but rejected.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN43 >> They had made it clear they wanted to continue the pregnancy, and were offended that termination was offered as an option.

Their son was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Ventricle, VSD, Mitral Atresia, Pulmonary Atresia, Right Atrial Isomerism, aorta arising from the right ventricle, TAPVD and Bilateral Superior Vena Cava and no spleen. Treatment: modified BT shunt (6 days old) open heart surgery (3 months and 6 months), 1st stage Fontan (10 months). Further surgery planned. Current medication: Warfarin, Enanapril, Frusemide, Penicillin. More of this interview can be seen on the DIPEX Congenital Heart Disease site as interview CHD07.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN04 >> Before deciding to continue with the pregnancy, she made herself think through all her options, none of which seemed bearable.

Hypoplastic left heart diagnosed after scan and amniocentesis at 25 weeks in second pregnancy. Decided to continue with the pregnancy. Son is now 2.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN07 >> They thought through how they felt about different conditions and whether they would want to continue with the pregnancy. She felt she might not get a

Third pregnancy, after two miscarriages. Nuchal translucency scan suggested problems; CVS ruled out Down's syndrome but heart problems identified by further scan. Baby born March 2003, successful surgery completed.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN30 >> They would want to continue with the pregnancy unless they felt their baby could not give and receive love, or if his heart condition had been inopera

Down's syndrome suspected at nuchal scan. Couple declined amniocentesis and continued with the pregnancy. Further scans suggested heart problems (operated on successfully since baby's birth).

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN38 >> They continued the pregnancy because they needed to know in future they had given their baby every chance.

Problems detected at 20-week scan. Amniocentesis confirmed Patau's syndrome. Couple decided to proceed with pregnancy. Baby born at 35 weeks and died after 3 minutes.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN38 >> It was a relief to decide to continue with the pregnancy, but also a time of grief.

Problems detected at 20-week scan. Amniocentesis confirmed Patau's syndrome. Couple decided to proceed with pregnancy. Baby born at 35 weeks and died after 3 minutes.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN15 >> If she had discovered her daughter's condition earlier in pregnancy, she would at least have had more time to prepare.

Following two miscarriages, during next pregnancy had frequent scans. A scan at 8 months unexpectedly found hydrocephalus and brain problems. Termination offered but rejected.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Continuing with an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN29 >> In her next pregnancy she had screening again. She would not want to see another baby suffer like her son.

After four miscarriages, scan in fifth pregnancy found heart defects. Couple decided to continue the pregnancy. Son, now 4, has had some additional problems. Pregnant at time of interview.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN31 >> She had always thought she would end a pregnancy if something was wrong, but the decision was heartbreaking.

Problems detected in first pregnancy at nuchal scan - confirmed as Down's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Subsequent normal pregnancy and birth.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN16 >> She never thought she would consider termination, but discovering anencephaly meant the baby could not feel anything changed her mind.

Anencephaly detected at 20-week scan in first pregnancy. Considered continuing the pregnancy but eventually decided to induce labour early. Second pregnancy miscarried. Now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN40 >> The termination was more painful than she expected and it was frightening not knowing what to expect.

Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Baby son born since.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN02 >> It was hard to start discussing whether to end the pregnancy. Their doctor did not appreciate how difficult it was.

1997 - nuchal scan and CVS confirmed Down's syndrome - decided to end the pregnancy. Has since had a healthy baby and is now pregnant again. Had CVS again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN18 >> When they were told in their first pregnancy that the baby had severe spina bifida, they felt ending the pregnancy was the best option, because they d

Spina bifida detected at 20-week scan in first pregnancy - some family history of the condition. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN39 >> They were worried about what life would be like for a child with a severe heart condition, and how it would affect family life with their older daught

Hypoplastic left heart suspected at 19-week scan, confirmed by cardiac scan. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Chose amniocentesis in next pregnancy (baby born 2002).

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN35 >> In making their heartbreaking decision to end the pregnancy at 17 weeks, they wanted to do what was best for their daughter and their family.

Combined nuchal scan/blood test suggested high risk; early results ruled out trisomies but subsequently diagnosed a severe form of Turner's syndrome. Couple decided to end the pregnancy; now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN17 >> She wished in retrospect they had taken longer to make the decision to end the pregnancy.

Hydrocephalus detected by 20-week scan and amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Felt the decision to end the pregnancy was rushed. Miscarriage and two healthy pregnancies since.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN32 >> Once they knew the baby had Edwards' syndrome, they felt termination was inevitable, but needed more sympathetic support and counselling.

Problems detected in first pregnancy at routine 12 week dating scan - confirmed as Edward's syndrome by CVS. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN18 >> She found out about Antenatal Results and Choices support group after she came out of hospital. She would have liked to have their booklet earlier.

Spina bifida detected at 20-week scan in first pregnancy - some family history of the condition. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Now pregnant again.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN36 >> Having sympathetic care during the termination was important, including a midwife who cried with her and held her hand.

Nuchal scan in first pregnancy gave low risk result, but anomaly scan at 21 weeks detected abnormalities, confirmed as Edwards' syndrome by amniocentesis. Couple decided to end the pregnancy.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN39 >> She wondered if staff might be critical of her decision to end the pregnancy, but found them caring and supportive.

Hypoplastic left heart suspected at 19-week scan, confirmed by cardiac scan. Couple decided to end the pregnancy. Chose amniocentesis in next pregnancy (baby born 2002).

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN17 >> She felt staff were unsympathetic during the termination at 23 weeks. Her memories of the baby she wanted and loved were affected by how staff behaved

Hydrocephalus detected by 20-week scan and amniocentesis in first pregnancy. Felt the decision to end the pregnancy was rushed. Miscarriage and two healthy pregnancies since.

• Pregnancy & children >> Antenatal Screening >> Ending an affected pregnancy >> Interview AN02 >> She had a surgical termination at just over 14 weeks. She felt no-one treated her sympathetically or recognised her distress on the day it happened.

1997 - nuchal scan and CVS confirmed Down's syndrome - decided to end the pregnancy. Has since had a healthy baby and is now pregnant again. Had CVS again.