Any program aimed at increasing amniocentesis uptake among Muslim women should be directed to both partners and should emphasize the low risk for miscarriage following the test.

Objectives. Rational choice theory was applied to explain women's use of amniocentesis. Variables included knowledge about prenatal diagnostics, attitudes, and emotional preferences. Methods. Using structured instruments at 9 to 14 and at 29 to 34 weeks' gestation, we interviewed 232 Israeli women who had low-risk pregnancies. Results. Women who had elective amniocentesis (n=39) were more knowledgeable about prenatal diagnostics, risks of invasive procedures, and probability of fetal abnormality in high maternal age; had fewer children; and had less favorable attitudes toward parenthood than those who had medically indicated amniocentesis (n = 57) and those who did not have amniocentesis (n = 136). Conclusions. The use and possible overuse of amniocentesis were associated with having more information about prenatal diagnostics and definite emotional preferences.

A B S T R A C TObjectives. Rational choice theory was applied to explain women's use of amniocentesis. Variables included knowledge about prenatal diagnostics, attitudes, and emotional preferences.Methods. Using structured instruments at 9 to 14 and at 29 to 34 weeks' gestation, we interviewed 232 Israeli women who had low-risk pregnancies.Results. Women who had elective amniocentesis (n=39) were more knowledgeable about prenatal diagnostics, risks of invasive procedures, and probability of fetal abnormality in high maternal age; had fewer children; and had less favorable attitudes toward parenthood than those who had medically indicated amniocentesis (n = 57) and those who did not have amniocentesis (n = 136).Conclusions. The use and possible overuse of amniocentesis were associated with having more information about prenatal diagnostics and definite emotional preferences. (Am J Public Health. 2001;91:639-641)

This paper illustrates some contributions of psychoanalytically based thinking in social work practice with children and youth removed from their homes due to severe maltreatment or incapacity of parents. It is suggested that when working with severely deprived and traumatized children, the therapist should hold in mind the lacking of rapport with primary caretakers, and the need of the child to form meaningful and intimate relations in his or her future life. Psychoanalytically based thinking enriches the treatment process by offering new ways for understanding of the patient's needs, aiming to reach the child's subjective experience and re-establishing his sense of self and a meaningful rapport with an other. The concept of 'potential space' and the area of experience (Winnicott, 1953/ 1975) will be described with elaboration on its variety and use in theory and practice, focusing on two major themes: the dialectics of knowing and not knowing, and the search for selected material. A clinical illustration is presented to show these dynamics as they appear in the clinical process and the therapeutic session. The material was selected from supervision of graduate social work students involved in therapeutic work with children.