Women’s Intention to Abort a Fetus Diagnosed With a Genetic Disease: Results From Israel, Cyprus, and Germany

Developments in genetics enable detection of fetal genetic abnormalities. The decision whether to abort is affected by culture, perceived severity abnormality, and legal regulations. study aimed assess the cultural differences women’s intention if their fetus diagnosed with a disease. A cross-sectional was conducted Israel, Germany, Cyprus. questionnaire presented six scenarios where pregnant woman mild, moderate, or severe For each scenario, participating women were asked rate having child disease, sense control over performing an abortion, undergo abortion. 141 Israeli, 121 German, 96 Cypriot participated study. results revealed that Israeli more inclined perform abortion (Israel: Mild-Disease M ± SD = 3.20 1.37; Moderate-Disease 2.90 1.39; Severe-Disease 4.08 1.51) compared Cyprus (Mild-Disease 2.74 1.52; 2.53 1.27; 3.41 1.70) Germany (Mild Disease, 2.38 1.42; Moderate Disease 2.23 1.44; 2.98 1.51). In all cases, reported higher expressed highest severity. Sense control, severity, being increased age explained 31% variance ( F 54.39). Intention following diagnosis disease varies country. There greater when feel have regardless