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Caring for Women During Prenatal Diagnosis: Personal Perspectives from the United Kingdom

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Ethical Dilemmas in Prenatal Diagnosis

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Abstract

This chapter reviews developments in prenatal testing. The changes in the range of tests that are available, perspectives on testing and the option of termination after a positive prenatal diagnosis are addressed. Caring for women undergoing prenatal diagnosis is a demanding task for health professionals. To enhance informed choice and support to women and their partners, health professionals must first be aware of their own values regarding sensitive issues in providing information about tests and the outcome of pregnancies after a diagnosis. The chapter details the process of testing and identifies particular times when parents have specific needs – making a decision, undergoing a termination, continuing a pregnancy. It also considers the resources necessary for professionals including their own need for training and support. Finally it identifies a number of online resources available to professionals and parents that can give further information and support.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Cf.: http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/abortion/doc/sweden.doc (Accessed 12 April 2011).

  2. 2.

    Cf.: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/population/abortion/abortionlaws.htm (Accessed 12 April 2011).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3RF, UK

    Helen Statham

  2. Concept Communications, Sextons Yard, Docking, Norfolk, PE31 8NH, UK

    Joanie Dimavicius

Authors
  1. Helen Statham
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  2. Joanie Dimavicius
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Correspondence to Helen Statham .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sigmund-Freud-Institut, Myliusstraße 20, Frankfurt, 60323, Germany

    Tamara Fischmann

  2. Jakob-Welder-Weg 18, Mainz, 55128, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany

    Elisabeth Hildt

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Statham, H., Dimavicius, J. (2011). Caring for Women During Prenatal Diagnosis: Personal Perspectives from the United Kingdom. In: Fischmann, T., Hildt, E. (eds) Ethical Dilemmas in Prenatal Diagnosis. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1396-3_6

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