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Prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy: perspectives of South African parents of children with Down syndrome

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Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the attitudes of a group of South African parents with a preschool child with Down syndrome (DS) towards prenatal diagnosis (PND) and termination of a Down syndrome-affected pregnancy (TAP). This study employs a qualitative phenomenological approach with the use of semi-structured interviews. Twelve participants were recruited from two state sector hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. The participants had a positive attitude towards PND and felt that it was every parent's right to have the option. They considered a benefit of PND the fact that it allowed parents time to prepare for the arrival of a baby with DS. The induced miscarriage risk associated with invasive prenatal testing procedures caused major negative feelings. They were totally opposed to the termination of a Down syndrome-affected pregnancy due to their personal experience, moral, ethical or religious convictions. South African parents of preschool children with Down syndrome are comfortable with PND for Down syndrome; however, they do not support TAP. These findings will provide health care providers with further insight into the motivations behind the decisions their patients make.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the participants for sharing their opinions and experiences. Thanks to Valerie Hoy of Down Syndrome Support Cape and Esther Adams of the Down Syndrome Association of the Western Cape for their valuable role in the completion of this study. We acknowledge the University of Cape Town for funding.

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Correspondence to Ambroise Wonkam.

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Scott, C.J., Futter, M. & Wonkam, A. Prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy: perspectives of South African parents of children with Down syndrome. J Community Genet 4, 87–97 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12687-012-0122-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12687-012-0122-0

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