Patient attitudes to prenatal screening and termination of pregnancy at Groote Schuur Hospital: a two year prospective study.

A prospective 2-year study involving a questionnaire administered by a Genetic Counsellor was carried out to ascertain patient attitudes to prenatal screening and termination of pregnancy (TOP) at Groote Schuur Hospital. Women were questioned regarding their religious affiliation, education, ethnic group, reason for referral and age. Following ultrasonography, non-directive counselling was given regarding amniocentesis and TOP. Four hundred and sixty six women were investigated of whom 74% were of mixed ancestry, 14% Black and 12% White. Three hundred and sixteen persons were offered amniocentesis (67.8%). Muslim women accepted less frequently (66%) than other religious affiliations (79.7%) (p = 0.025). Overall amniocentesis acceptance was 75.9%. TOP was performed in 45 pregnancies (9.7%). Muslim women accepted TOP 1.33 times (C.I. 0.32-5.6) more frequently than those of other religious persuasions. Overall TOP acceptance rate was 76.3%. The mixed ethnic population of pregnant women seen at Groote Schuur Hospital readily accept prenatal screening and TOP following non-directive genetic counselling. The introduction of prenatal screening programmes for the prevention of severe congenital defects in this population would be successful and cost-effective.