Pregnancy is typically a time of excitement. But sometimes, parents receive a scary prenatal diagnosis. For any parent who has experienced a difficult or terminal prenatal diagnosis, they will probably tell you it was traumatic. Many parents are unprepared for the news from their OB doctor that something is wrong. They often don’t know what to do.
Do you get a second opinion?
Is the diagnosis correct?
Do you trust that your doctor’s recommendations are good?
Genetic testing is one way that can detect prenatal conditions. However, there can be high amounts of false positives and misinterpretations with these- some sources say 40% are false positives while others say up to 85% are-
(News: Study Finds Inaccuracies in 40 Percent… (The Scientist) – Behind the headlines – NLM)
(These Prenatal Tests Are Usually Wrong When Warning of Rare Disorders – The New York Times)
Sometimes the diagnosis is correct, though. Your child does have a serious condition. Some doctors will unfortunately recommend abortions for certain disabilities or life-limiting conditions. Many parents have experienced a doctor recommending an abortion for a prenatal condition, and the parents had to stand up for their child’s life.
Some regret not standing up for their child.
Many feel alone and unsure during these times. We want to share that there is help for those going through a difficult or terminal prenatal diagnosis!
Listed below are several websites you can go to for education and support during these times:
If you know of someone going through a scary prenatal diagnosis, do them a favor and direct them here. They need to know they are not alone.
Abortion is not the answer to a difficult diagnosis. A life is worth more than that.
***Please know, if an unborn baby has died in the womb, it is often necessary for the doctors to perform a procedure to get that baby out.
This is completely different than aborting a living baby.***