Evaluation of Effective Factors on Decision of Families Regarding Medical Abortion Recommended due to Fetal Anomaly


Ekinci G., İNAL S.

Florence Nightingale Journal of Nursing, vol.32, no.1, pp.83-89, 2024 (ESCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 32 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.5152/fnjn.2024.23007
  • Journal Name: Florence Nightingale Journal of Nursing
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.83-89
  • Keywords: Family decision, fetal anomalies, health care professionals, medical abortion
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

AIM: The study aims to examine the effective factors influencing the decision of families to whom medical abortion was recommended due to fetal anomalies. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at İstanbul University Hospital, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, High-Risk Pregnancies and Maternity Ward. The sample consisted of 233 pregnant women, to whom medical abortion was recommended due to the diagnosis of foetal anomaly collected inover a 1-year period. RESULTS: While 122 of the families decided to have medical abortions, 111 decided to give birth. The rate of deciding on medical abortion was the highest in families whose fetuses had a high expectation rate of lethal anomalies (p < .001). The most effective factor for the families who decided to give birth was their religious beliefs. The most effective factor for the families who decided to have a medical abortion was the information they received from health professionals. CONCLUSION: While the religious beliefs of the parents were effective in the decision to give birth, the information they received from the health professionals was effective in the decision to have a medical abortion.