Attitudes to prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy for 30 conditions among women in Saudi Arabia and the UK.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this research was to compare attitudes between women from different cultural and/or religious backgrounds toward prenatal diagnosis (PND) and termination of pregnancy (TOP) for 30 different conditions.

METHODS

A questionnaire examining parents' attitudes toward PND and TOP for 30 different conditions was completed by 100 Saudi, 222 UK-White, and 198 UK-Pakistani women. Comparison of overall attitudes with PND and TOP between groups was carried out, and a total score reflecting attitudes was obtained.

RESULTS

In general, there were positive attitudes toward PND among the three groups surveyed. The attitudes of Saudi and UK-Pakistani women toward PND were more favorable than UK-White women. Overall, acceptance of TOP was lower than for PND. For the majority of conditions, acceptance of TOP was highest in Saudi women and lowest in UK-Pakistani women.

CONCLUSION

Attitudes toward TOP were significantly different between the three groups and may be influenced by cultural and/or religious factors. Availability of social services, genetic counseling, and rehabilitation centers may also influence attitude toward PND and TOP.