Reasons for declining prenatal diagnostic tests and analysis of factors impacting the decision

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To identify the factors impacting the decision of declining to have prenatal diagnostic tests and to determine the reasons for declining in cases with high trisomy risk in prenatal screening tests and those who refuse to undergo prenatal diagnostic tests. Materials and methods: Cases with positive test results in first and second trimester aneuploidy screening tests were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups those who accepted prenatal diagnostic tests (Group 1) and those who refused prenatal diagnostic tests (Group 2). The patients that refused prenatal diagnostic tests were evaluated with a questionnaire to determine the reasons for refusal. Results: 204 cases were included in the study.  44 (21.6%) of these cases wanted to have prenatal diagnostic tests, while 160 (78.4%) refused to have prenatal diagnosis tests. A significant correlation was found between the decision to refuse the prenatal diagnostic test and the mother's educational status level (p=0.035), whereas no significant correlation was found between the personalized risk ratios and the number of abortions in previous pregnancies. Among the reasons for refusal of prenatal diagnosis test, the main reason was determined to be "Termination of pregnancy is not an option". Conclusion: Pregnant women should be offered all options, including not having a prenatal screening test or a prenatal diagnostic test, by providing accurate and understandable information about the purpose and potential outcomes of prenatal screening tests. Hence, pregnant women can be provided with the opportunity to make an informed choice.