Would you rather have a child said to be SS or abort?

Specialties Ob/Gyn

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This is a question one of my patients had asked me.Very difficult one. She had gone to a genetic counsellor as her doctor ordered but feels she doesn't want to keep the baby because of associated risks. She also tells me she feels so bad aborting the little thing in her. she kind of have a mixed feling since everyone now knows she is almost 5 months pregnant. I just empathized with her but remained silent throughout. Anyone?

Specializes in Critical Care: Cardiac, VAD, Transplant.

How mnay studies were done on the emotional effects on the birth mother on surrendering her baby for adoption? Not to mention, a sick black baby isn't really high on the "desired" baby list for prospective adoptive parents. Statistically, that baby has a very high chance of spending most of its life in foster care or modern day orphanages. I'm not saying she shouldn't consider this option, but lets focus on the reality of the situation.

No one here knows what the full situation is. Maybe the testing showed that the Sickle Cell had already caused damage to the fetus (and it can cause hypoxia to a developing fetus)? Maybe there is some co-morbidity that was not mentioned. We don't know.

The decision truly belongs to the mother, but I must say, I am an adoptive mother of one of these amazing children. My son is doing very well in spite of the fact that he is type SS. Does he suffer? That goes without saying. His vitality and zest for life tells me that he enjoys every minute of his life. He is fully aware of his disease, even at his young age, but I truly doubt if he would have chosen the alternative. There are many recent advances in available treatments for this disease and many more treatments being explored every day. Several people have been CURED of the disease by bone marrow transfusions, although this is still highly experimental. Life expectancy for those suffering from type SS has expanded greatly. Doctors are sure that good nutrition and education are keys to avoiding sickling and pain episodes. Those that suffer the most are often the ones that have made poor decisions about their own personal care (nutrition, drugs,etc.) or have been cared for poorly.

Genetic counseling has been available for years and the mother should have been capable of making an educated decision regarding whether or not to have children. If that is not the case, she should avoid panicking and educate herself fully about the disease and decide what she is capable of handling now and in the future. These children are not 'throw away' children. I would be delighted to add another to our family, but adoption is not for everyone. I am not trying to come off pro-life (although I am) but I feel that those fully educated about the disease are more capable of making a sound decision.

IComparing birth defects incompatible with life is not the same as sickle cell anemia.

I personally know many women who have had abortions who regretted it and to say it is only because of the guilt heaped upon them by others is a stereotype too. Each side needs to be careful of perpetuating stereotypes.

steph

I have to agree w/ you. I would also add that as nurses on either side of this issue, you need to put your own opinion aside. I remember a couple who gave birth to a child w/ multiple defects which were incompatable w/ life. The mom and dad wanted whatever time they could have to cherish time w/ this child who died shortly after delivery. Many of the staff and docs wanted to know why they didn't abort when this was the inevitable end. In fact, the couple felt pressured to abort. Like it or not abortion is legal. It is the woman's option, not the nurses' or medical staff's to impose upon a patient, nor is it our professional role to propagate the prolife side at work. All we can do is make sure the patient is educated and accept her informed decision. Many times, both sides are so tied to their own viewpoint on this very polarizing issue that they forget it is up to the patient, not the staff. BTW people do and don't regret either decision that they make. This is human nature. It doesn't make one side wrong or right. It is simply the way life is.

I have to agree w/ you. I would also add that as nurses on either side of this issue, you need to put your own opinion aside. I remember a couple who gave birth to a child w/ multiple defects which were incompatable w/ life. The mom and dad wanted whatever time they could have to cherish time w/ this child who died shortly after delivery. Many of the staff and docs wanted to know why they didn't abort when this was the inevitable end. In fact, the couple felt pressured to abort. Like it or not abortion is legal. It is the woman's option, not the nurses' or medical staff's to impose upon a patient, nor is it our professional role to propagate the prolife side at work. All we can do is make sure the patient is educated and accept her informed decision. Many times, both sides are so tied to their own viewpoint on this very polarizing issue that they forget it is up to the patient, not the staff. BTW people do and don't regret either decision that they make. This is human nature. It doesn't make one side wrong or right. It is simply the way life is.

I have to agree with you too. :)

The couple I know did get pressure from health professionals to abort.

Unprofessional at whatever level.

steph

I have 5 kids, none of which were perfect, although none had any serious medical conditions. However, I was told that one of my babies had a "small head" while still pregnant. Turns out the doctor had my due date wrong. Doctors aren't perfect, neither is medical science. We all seem to be seeking perfection. My second child was the biggest challenge of my life because of personality problems, which of course doctors can't test for in utero! My point is, none of us is dealt the perfect hand in life and we have to do the best with what we have by the grace of God. He is there to bear our burdens with us. We don't have the right to "dispose" of what seems to fall short of our expectations.

I know this might be a bit late, but just had to post on this thread.

I am AS - meaning I carry the sickle cell trait. I have always known this and I have seen the effect of the disease both on close family members and friends. It can be very painful when going through a crisis and can lead to complications and long hospital stays for those with full blown SS but, the degree of the disease manifests itself differently in different people. I do not know of anyone of either my friends or family members that would rather not be alive today even though they have SS. The important thing to know is that people do go on to live normal lives with the disease.

Having an arbotion will not solve the problem as she will always have the risk of having a baby with SS if she is with a partner that is also AS.

An example of someone with SS is T-Boz from the group TLC who has not let having sickle cell anemia stop her from achieving what she wants to do in her life.

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Originally Posted by imenid37

I have to agree w/ you. I would also add that as nurses on either side of this issue, you need to put your own opinion aside. I remember a couple who gave birth to a child w/ multiple defects which were incompatable w/ life. The mom and dad wanted whatever time they could have to cherish time w/ this child who died shortly after delivery. Many of the staff and docs wanted to know why they didn't abort when this was the inevitable end. In fact, the couple felt pressured to abort. Like it or not abortion is legal. It is the woman's option, not the nurses' or medical staff's to impose upon a patient, nor is it our professional role to propagate the prolife side at work. All we can do is make sure the patient is educated and accept her informed decision. Many times, both sides are so tied to their own viewpoint on this very polarizing issue that they forget it is up to the patient, not the staff. BTW people do and don't regret either decision that they make. This is human nature. It doesn't make one side wrong or right. It is simply the way life is.

This post says it all in my book. Well said, Imenid!

Specializes in High Risk In Patient OB/GYN.
We don't have the right to "dispose" of what seems to fall short of our expectations.
Actually we do, otherwise we wouldn't be having this conversation.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
Actually we do, otherwise we wouldn't be having this conversation.

Legally, in the USA we do. But ethically and morally, well, that is up to the individual to work out with his/her spiritual and/or religious beliefs to guide them, as well as the severity of the situation they are dealing with.

Specializes in Med-Surg, LTC, Rehabiliation Nursing.

friends wall which says, "God only gives us what we can handle. Sometimes I wish he didnt trust me so much." I agree with this 100%. Maybe some persons faced with this dilemma KNOW that it is more than they could handle. God forbid I have another child, (I was NOT one of those happy pregnant people, full placenta previa, sciatica, untold misery. Gained about 80+ with each child. I try to take each indivicuals circumstance into consideration, and most of all, not to judge. Because, there but for the grace of God, Go I.)

Thanks KristyBRN

I'm in line with Tx. So many of those tests are known to have fairly high false positive results. Also sickle cell anemia is a chronic illness that can be managed. So is Type I Diabetes, but would most people abort for that? Ultimately, it's up to the patient to decide what she wants to do. She had better do it quick. Five months along is getting a little late for both her and the baby re: termination. If it were me I would do some fast research re: reliability percentages for genetic testing, among other things. Personally, I would keep the baby regardless of what any outcomes would be. I'm obviously meant to be that particular child's mother and I don't think I would be entrusted with anything I can't handle.[/quote']
Specializes in High Risk In Patient OB/GYN.
Legally, in the USA we do. But ethically and morally, well, that is up to the individual to work out with his/her spiritual and/or religious beliefs to guide them, as well as the severity of the situation they are dealing with.

Agreed. But no matter what the moral beliefs or what option is chosen, the right still exists. :)

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

But some would argue that abortion is not a right, but a crime, according to their moral or ethical code. Therefore, it's not considered a "right" in their definition or belief system. No one here is arguing if abortion is legal or not----but what is right, well that is very much debatable.

That's a good way to put it - I know what the law is, but I don't agree with it ethically or morally.

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