EP18.41: Main factors influencing couples' consent for invasive prenatal testing

This systematic review aims to gather and synthesise literature data on the factors influencing couples' consent for invasive prenatal testing to draw conclusions to aid antenatal care providers in supporting couples to make more informed decisions about their prenatal care. A systematic search was performed in PubMed and PsycInfo databases using the appropriate keywords and an in-depth evaluation of the studies retrieved followed. Finally, 17 articles were eligible for our review investigating the decision-making process of invasive prenatal testing. Factors like maternal age, education and ethnicity are pivotal during the decision-making process. Clinical characteristics also influence decisions and women with pregnancies categorised as high-risk or those who have undergone fertility treatment display a preference for invasive testing. There seems to be a direct correlation between a woman's willingness to consider pregnancy termination and the inclination to undergo invasive testing. The provision and depth of knowledge are of paramount importance. A comprehensive understanding facilitates more informed decisions. Finally, attitudes towards termination of pregnancy, as another factor influencing the decision-making process, reveal a nuanced landscape where personal beliefs, religious considerations, legal restrictions, and perspectives on disability converge. Within this complex context, religion emerges as an important determinant, shaping individuals' views on the morality of abortion. This review sheds light on the most important factors influencing the couples' consent for invasive prenatal testing. Healthcare professionals must identify which factors are critical and thus, they will be able to provide balanced and comprehensive information to help couples under this stressful procedure. We advocate for a patient-centred multidisciplinary approach while navigating couples through the intricate landscape of decision-making concerning invasive prenatal testing.