Parental expectations of raising a child with disability in decision-making for prenatal testing and termination of pregnancy: A mixed methods study

Objective: To examine attitudes toward prenatal testing and termination of pregnancy (TOP) among parents and obstetric providers in relation to their views on raising a child with disability.

Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed methods study. A survey among 274 parents and 141 providers was followed by interviews with 26 parents and 10 providers. Using multivariate analysis, the relationships between attitudes were examined. Thematic analysis was used to identify the reasons behind the attitudes.

Results: In comparison with providers, parents reported more positive attitudes toward raising a child with disability and more moral views about TOP. Providers reported more variations in attitudes toward offering prenatal testing and TOP. Significant associations were found between attitudes toward prenatal testing, raising a child with disability, reproductive autonomy, and TOP. Three major themes were identified: (1) meanings of parenthood from genetic tests; (2) views toward TOP and parental responsibility; and (3) implications of advanced extended prenatal genetic testing.

Conclusions: Perceived social–cultural norms of disabilities and parental expectations of raising a child with disability influence decision-making regarding TOP.

Practice Implications: As more conditions of the fetus are able to be detected, the social–cultural implications of the technology and disabilities need to be addressed in antenatal care.