Termination for medical reasons

This article is about the medical procedure. For the Irish advocacy group, see Termination for Medical Reasons (advocacy group).

A termination for medical reasons (TFMR) is an induced abortion motivated by medical indications involving the fetus or mother.[1] In some countries, health risks are the only basis for obtaining a legal abortion.[2] Prenatal screening can allow early diagnosis, and abortion if desired or necessary.[3] Some medical organizations advocate the offer of diagnostic testing by chorionic villi sampling, and amniocentesis to all pregnant women, as a matter of course.[3]

Screening and diagnostic tests can provide the information needed to make a decision on whether or not to abort. TFMR is one of the least talked about types of pregnancy loss, but is more common than generally realised.[4] It is stressful, and the involved people need support during the pregnancy and after its termination.[5]

A number of factors may influence a person's decision to terminate the pregnancy, including the severity of a condition, and its impact on life expectancy and quality of life.

  1. ^ "The Pink Elephants Support Network - Diagnostic Testing". The Pink Elephants Support Network. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
  2. ^ González-Ramos, Z; Zuriguel-Pérez, E; Albacar-Riobóo, N; Casadó-Marín, L (December 2021). "The emotional responses of women when terminating a pregnancy for medical reasons: A scoping review". Midwifery. 103: 103095. doi:10.1016/j.midw.2021.103095. PMID 34320417.
  3. ^ a b Grossman, TB; Chasen, ST (January 2020). "Abortion for Fetal Genetic Abnormalities: Type of Abnormality and Gestational Age at Diagnosis". AJP Reports. 10 (1): e87–e92. doi:10.1055/s-0040-1705173. PMC 7075712. PMID 32190411.
  4. ^ "Break the silence around TFMR". Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC). Retrieved 26 April 2022.
  5. ^ "TFMR survey". Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC). Retrieved 26 April 2022.