Risk perception, informed decision making and psychological wellbeing of pregnant women who are offered prenatal screening for congenital defects
Background
In many countries, prenatal screening tests are offered to pregnant women as part of the usual prenatal care. These tests give an estimation of the chance that the child has a particular abnormality. A frequently heard concern among opponents of prenatal screening is that offering information about screening makes women focus more on what can be wrong with the child and that this could cause anxiety. In contrast, proponents argue that screening gives women reassurance.The decision of whether or not to have prenatal screening can have important consequences. If the screening test shows an increased risk, a decision has to be made concerning diagnostic testing, which involves a risk of unintended foetal loss. In the case of an unfavourablediagnostic outcome, parents have to make a decision concerning abortion. Policy makers and health professionals
find it important that parents are able to make an informed decision about whether or not to screen. Further, an important ethical condition for the introduction of prenatal testing is that women should decide according to their own values and be able to come to terms with their decision.