EP07.24: Sequence of events leading to medical abortion for fetal indications after 34 weeks of gestation: 23‐years experience from a single medical centre

To identify the sequence of events leading to abortion ≥ 34 weeks of gestation, and determine if the procedure could have been carried out earlier. This is a retrospective study of fetal abortions in singleton pregnancies carried out in our department during the 23-year period, 1998-2021. 36/4055 (0.88%) abortions were carried out ≥ 34 weeks of gestation. The indications were anatomical in 20 (55%), chromosomal or genetic in 14 (39%) and 2 others (CMV infection). From evaluation of the sequence of events, earlier diagnosis in 18 cases (50%) was unlikely before the third trimester because the disorder was developmental and ultrasound findings are not expected earlier. However, certain cases might have received an earlier diagnosis, but the identification was delayed due to patient delay and incomplete adherence to screening tests. In our series, full adherence to local screening tests and protocols, and timely decision making could have substantially reduced the late abortion rate as much as by 50%.