PATIENT ATTITUDES TO PRENATAL SCREENING AND TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY AT GROOTE-SCHUUR-HOSPITAL - A 2-YEAR PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

A prospective 2-year study involving a questionnaire administered by a Genetic Counsellor was carried out to ascertain patient attitudes to prenatal screening and termination of pregnancy (TOP) at Groote Schuur Hospital. Women were questioned regarding their religious affiliation , education, ethnic group, reason for referral and age. Following ultr asonography, non-directive counselling was given regarding amniocentes is and TOP. Four hundred and sixty six women were investigated of whom 74% were of mixed ancestry, 14% Black and 12% White. Three hundred an d sixteen persons were offered amniocentesis (67.8%). Muslim women acc epted less Frequently (66%) than other religious affiliations (79.7%) (p=0.025). Overall amniocentesis acceptance was 75.9%. TOP was perform ed in 45 pregnancies (9.7%). Muslim women accepted TOP 1.33 times (C.I . 0.32-5.6) more Frequently than those of other religious persuasions. Overall TOP acceptance rate was 76.3%. The mixed ethnic population of pregnant women seen at Groote Schuur Hospital readily accept prenatal screening and TOP following non-directive genetic counselling. The in troduction of prenatal screening programmes for the prevention of seve re congenital defects in this population would he successful and cost- effective.