Journal article
Mothers of a child with Down syndrome: A qualitative analysis of the perspectives on non-invasive prenatal testing
Midwifery, Vol.76, pp.118-124
09/2019
PMID: 31202107
Metrics
9 Record Views
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites
Abstract
Objective: The introduction of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for Down syndrome (DS) has sparked social and ethical debates. To date, in-depth exploration of the voices of Australian mothers of a child with DS about NIPT has been lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perspectives of Australian mothers of a child with DS towards the increasing availability of NIPT.
Design and Setting: Fifteen mothers of children with DS aged 8 months-39 years participated in-depth interviews, conducted online via the software Zoom (TM). An inductive thematic analysis of interview data explored mothers' perceptions of NIPT.
Findings: Mothers perspectives were nuanced and personal to each woman's circumstance. All mothers highlighted the inevitable association between testing and termination, the importance of autonomy and respecting [m]others' choices to test and to terminate, and that appropriate supports must be provided to ensure informed decision-making. These perspectives existed within an overarching theme of NIPT reflecting and reinforcing societal attitudes towards disability.
Conclusion: Mothers of a child with DS viewed informed decision-making as crucial both prior to undertaking NIPT and following a positive test result. This study adds a unique Australian perspective to the necessary ongoing social and ethical debate. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Details
- Title
- Mothers of a child with Down syndrome: A qualitative analysis of the perspectives on non-invasive prenatal testing
- Creators
- Chelsea Valentin (Author) - University of SydneyAndy Smidt (Corresponding Author) - University of SydneyRebecca Barton (Author) - University of SydneyNathan Wilson (Author) - Western Sydney UniversityBethea How (Author) - University of Sydney
- Publication Details
- Midwifery, Vol.76, pp.118-124
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Identifiers
- 991013173413102368
- Copyright
- © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article