19 February 2009 – Women’s Health Weekly
2009 FEB 19 – (NewsRx.com) — “Objectives Perception and attitude regarding prenatal screening and induced abortion vary across different populations. This study assesses the attitudes and perceptions regarding prenatal screening and induced abortion among, Pakistani adults,” scientists in Karachi, Pakistan report.
” We Conducted a cross-sectional study among adults (18+) coming to the Aga Khan University Hospital, a private tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Majority (65%) of the study population had knowledge about prenatal screening and it was acceptable to most (85.5%) of them. Significant proportion had high acceptance for induced abortion (23%) of a fetus that has serious congenital anomalies. Oil the other hand, 15% were Unwilling to consider termination of pregnancy (TOP) in any Circumstances. Women had more favorable attitude toward induced abortion. Most of respondents (63%) were in favor of abortion it tetal death was imminent as a result of a congenital abnormality. Majority wanted mutual Consultation of husband and wife for making decision regarding induced abortion (84%). There was a considerable discord in opinion about abortion in the study population,” wrote M.O. Arif and colleagues, Aga Khan University.
The researchers concluded: “Health care providers should involve both parents in making decisions about abortions and counsel them adequately about congenital disorders.”
Arif and colleagues published their study in Prenatal Diagnosis (Attitudes and perceptions about prenatal diagnosis and induced abortion among adults of Pakistani population. Prenatal Diagnosis, 2008;28(12):1149-1155).
For additional information, contact M.O. Arif, Aga Khan University, Male Hostel, Stadium Rd., Karachi 74800, Pakistan.
The publisher’s contact information for the journal Prenatal Diagnosis is: John Wiley & Sons Ltd., the Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester PO19 8SQ, W Sussex, England.
Ismailimail 