Abstract

SOUSA, Lucília  and  PEREIRA, M. Graça. Pregnancy interruption due to congenital malformation: the woman's perspective. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2010, vol.11, n.2, pp.229-242. ISSN 1645-0086.

The present study aims to understand the experience of therapeutic pregnancy interruption, due to congenital malformation, according to mother’s perspective. For this study, a qualitative methodology (Grounded Theory) was chosen. The sample, composed of 18 women was the result of an intentional sampling and the data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The results of the study revealed the interruption of pregnancy, due to congenital malformation, as an emotional intense experience. The news of the diagnosis of a malformation was received with shock and surprise. The decision to continue or to interrupt the pregnancy was considered the most difficult in the couple’s life due to the ambivalence of feelings and moral dilemmas it produced. Understand mother’s reactions and the reasons and difficulties in the decision regarding pregnancy interruption represents for the professionals involved in the process, a chance to define strategies to facilitate counseling and support in the decision process.

Keywords : Pregnancy interruption; malformation; decision making process.

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