Prenatal Screening for Down Syndrome: What do Women Want?
The relatively rapid evolution of technology and large scale research carried out in recent years have culminated in an array of prenatal screening tests being offered in clinical practice, and women are sometimes expected to make a decision (for clinical reasons) before they have had adequate opportunities to fully understand the clinical and ethical issues associated with each option. Additionally, in the field of prenatal screening services there are currently several issues of concern. Services appear to be disparate (between public and private) and both women and their healthcare providers are often left confused by the rapid advances in technology and the variety of new options. Questions are often raised by the media, service providers and planners, as well as consumers, as to the so-called ‘routine’ nature of these tests, the way the options are presented to women and the issue of what women actually prefer compared to what they are actually having.
A pilot study (MSc Genetic Counselling Honours project) which seeks to examine equity, opportunity and choice in the uptake of prenatal screening for Down syndrome was undertaken at the Mater Mothers Hospital, Brisbane. Around 300 women (public and private patients) have been surveyed to examine the reasons why pregnant women either have or do not have a prenatal screening test for Down syndrome, and to compare the demographic, obstetric and information-seeking characteristics of these women. The women’s knowledge of prenatal genetic counselling services is also examined.
Some appraisal of the women’s preference for educational support to address any identified gaps in knowledge and access to service will also be presented.