Abstract
Estimates for couples that interrupt a pregnancy because of a poor prenatal diagnosis are unknown, with a best guess that these scenarios encapsulate 2 % of women seeking out abortion services, as they typically occur after the first trimester. Receiving a poor prenatal diagnosis sets off a catalyst of decisions and events where time is of the essence. Frequently, families have little time to process and cope with the emotional spectrum that they experience in the midst of decision making and often are unable to locate a friend or acquaintance that might serve as a guide. This results in couples feeling alone in navigating through this specific trauma. Each couple must figure out what their unique needs are and communicate with loved ones in order to ensure that those needs are met. Family and friends are also in a difficult position in that they have few tools or resources available to support the couple before, during, and after termination. Additional considerations for families are how to communicate to existing children that their parents will not be bringing home the anticipated sibling as well as how to help them process what is most likely their first direct experience with death.
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Bindeman, J. (2015). A Burden of Choice: The Ripple Effect: Parents’ Grief and the Role of Family and Friends. In: Paley Galst, J., Verp, M. (eds) Prenatal and Preimplantation Diagnosis. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-18911-6_15
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