Why should the baby live or not live? Decisions of Turkish pregnant women regarding the fate of pregnancy when there are fetal anomalies

This study investigated the decisions of pregnant women regarding the fate of pregnancy in cases of fetal anomalies. Using a cross sectional approach, data were gathered through a structured survey with hypothetical fetal anomalies. The data were analysed using SPSS 23.0. The preference for continuation of pregnancy was 58.7% in anencephaly and 92.4% in Down syndrome. The decision to continue the pregnancy was mainly justified by scruple, sin, and the baby's right to life. The reasons for terminating the pregnancy were the baby's short life expectancy, being exposed to discrimination, and not being forced to live a life of pain and suffering. Turkish pregnant women considered the anomaly in the fetus when choosing to continue or terminate the pregnancy. Considering that the preferences arose not only from religious and cultural factors but also from the risks associated with the diagnosis, it is imperative to manage these issues in prenatal diagnostic counselling offered to parents.