Rethinking autonomy in the context of prenatal screening decision‐making

Abstract

The active offer of an unsolicited prenatal test need not be considered as an impediment for making an autonomous choice. The moral significance of prenatal testing is inseparably bound with the social context in which it is practiced. Influence from other persons and emotional reactions due to the test offer can be interpreted as supportive for making a choice. In clinical practice, testing should be timely offered in order to give women the opportunity of discussing their views with significant others. Caregivers should care for the emotions experienced by women so as to help them decide according to their values.

Did I really want to know this? Pregnant women's reaction to detection of a soft marker during ultrasound screening

“…Earlier studies have shown that many women want to share the decisionmaking about prenatal screening with their partners [44] and as Garcia et al point out, the partner therefore also needs to be well informed about the purpose of ultrasound scan [2,44].…”

Amniocentesis Due to Advanced Maternal Age: The Role of Marital Intimacy in Couples’ Decision-Making Process

“…Although partners may provide support during this period, it's also possible that they contribute to conflict and uncertainty (Humphreys et al, 2008). Avoiding marital conflict can even lead women to follow their partners' opinion when couples disagree on whether or not to have IDTs (García, Timmermans, & van Leeuwen, 2008). Consistently, couple's level of agreement regarding IDTs before the first appointment predicted marital adjustment after receiving the results (Humphreys et al, 2008).…”

Facts first, then reaction—Expectant fathers' experiences of an ultrasound screening identifying soft markers

“…Research by García et al (2008) indicate however, that women do not want to shoulder all the responsibility for the decision about prenatal testing. Moreover, they suggest that making joint decisions would help women to feel more comfortable about their final choice and that professionals should, therefore, support women to discuss testing with their significant others.…”