ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS ABOUT PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS AND INDUCED ABORTION AMONG ADULTS OF PAKISTANI POPULATION

Authors: Muhammad Osman Arif1*, Zafar Fatmi2, Bhisham Pardeep1, Tuba Ali1, Hameed Iqbal1,
Haider Khan Bangash1, Rushna Pervaiz1, Hira Altaf1 and Javed Ali Baba1
1  Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
2  Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan

Objectives

Perception and attitude regarding prenatal screening and induced abortion vary across different
populations. This study assesses the attitudes and perceptions regarding prenatal screening and induced abortion
among Pakistani adults.

Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among adults (18+) coming to the Aga Khan University
Hospital, a private tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
Results Majority (65%) of the study population had knowledge about prenatal screening and it was acceptable
to most (85.5%) of them. Significant proportion had high acceptance for induced abortion (23%) of a fetus
that has serious congenital anomalies. On the other hand, 15% were unwilling to consider termination of
pregnancy (TOP) in any circumstances. Women had more favorable attitude toward induced abortion. Most
of the respondents (63%) were in favor of abortion if fetal death was imminent as a result of a congenital
abnormality. Majority wanted mutual consultation of husband and wife for making decision regarding induced
abortion (84%).

Conclusion There was a considerable discord in opinion about abortion in the study population. Health care
providers should involve both parents in making decisions about abortions and counsel them adequately about
congenital disorders. Copyright  2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.