THE IMPACT OF PRENATAL GENETIC TESTING ON QUALITY-OF-LIFE IN WOMEN

The techniques of prenatal genetic diagnosis are being used with incre asing frequency in the provision of prenatal care. One aim of such tes ting is to benefit pregnant women. Inadequate data exist, however, to indicate whether testing provides benefits for or imposes burdens upon the women involved. The influence of testing on anxiety during pregna ncy, on a woman's sense of control over the progress and outcome of pr egnancy, and on a woman's relationships with her partner and future ch ild are all of concern. Investigation of these questions should be int egral to studies undertaken to assess prenatal genetic testing.