Abstract
In more than three per cent of births the baby has a serious structural malformation, genetic disorder or chromosome abnormality which is going to interfere with survival or the quality of life. Some of these abnormalities, such as anencephaly or many of the gross malformation syndromes, are lethal and inoperable. Others, such as haemophilia and phenylketonuria are treatable and some, such as cleft lip and palate and gastroschisis, are correctable. Many of these abnormalities can now be accurately diagnosed before 28 weeks gestation and mostly during the fourth month of pregnancy, early enough within the present law for selective abortion to be considered by the parents (Laurence, 1980).
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References
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© 1991 The Galton Institute
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Laurence, K.M. (1991). Fetal Diagnosis and the Need for Support. In: Roberts, D.F., Chester, R. (eds) Molecular Genetics in Medicine. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-10874-9_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-10874-9_6
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
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