IMG: the shocking announcement
«The future parents go to the ultrasound as to a show. They don’t expect bad news. However, the echo is used to “know”, not to “see”!“, Insists sonographer Roger Bessis. It happens that at this meeting, long awaited by the couple, everything changes. A too thick neck, a missing limb… the fetus does not really look like the imagined baby. There followed a lot of examinations so that the terrible diagnosis finally fell: the child has a disability, an incurable disease or a malformation that will disrupt his future quality of life.
Medical termination of pregnancy can then be considered by parents. It is a strictly personal choice. Besides, “it is not for the doctor to suggest it, but for the couple to bring the subject“, Specifies the obstetrician-gynecologist.
Deciding on a termination of pregnancy
In France, a woman has the right to terminate her pregnancy, for medical reasons, at any time. As much, therefore, to leave time for reflection. It is in the interest of future parents to meet the specialists concerned by their child’s pathology (surgeon, neuro-pediatrician, psychiatrist, etc.) to imagine possible solutions.
If the couple ultimately chooses medical termination of pregnancy, they submit a request to a multidisciplinary antenatal diagnosis center. A group of experts examines the case and delivers a favorable or unfavorable opinion.
If the doctors oppose the IMG – an exceptional case – it is quite possible to turn to another diagnostic center.