In a retrospective study of 286 pregnancies where fetal abnormalities, particularly chromosome abnormality, was diagnosed females were more likely to terminate the pregnancy even with genetic counseling.
The study, performed by the Perinatal Genetics Department at Stanford University, reported a second genetic counseling session reduced the likelihood of pregnancy termination, as did race and specific type of chromosomal abnormality. Being Filipina or a diagnosis of sex chromosome abnormality reduced the likelihood of termination.
Women who'd terminated a pregnancy in the past were more likely to terminate the pregnancy after a diagnosis of chromosomal abnormality, no matter the type of abnormality. Researchers noted that maternal age, fetal gender, clinic site, gestational age, patient informant and ultrasound anomalies did not change termination outcome.
The outcome of the study revealed that no assumptions of termination should be made based upon factors that did not change termination outcome. The study also revealed that a second genetic counseling session may reduce the likelihood of termination.
Source: Hawkins A, Stenzel A, Taylor J, Chock VY, Hudgins L. Variables Influencing Pregnancy Termination Following Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Chromosome Abnormalities. J Genet Couns. 2012 Sep 23.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23001505
