NIPT-based screening for Down syndrome and beyond: what do pregnant women think?

van Schendel RV1, Dondorp WJ, Timmermans DR, van Hugte EJ, de Boer A, Pajkrt E, Lachmeijer AM, Henneman L.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To study pregnant women's views on NIPT for Down syndrome and the potential to test for a broader range of conditions.

METHODS:

Online questionnaire on the Dutch Pregnancy Fair website, completed by 381 pregnant women.

RESULTS:

51% of the women expressed interest in having NIPT, including 33% of women who had declined first-trimester screening. The majority (73%) thought that the uptake of screening would increase with NIPT. Most women agreed that testing for life-threatening (89%), severe physical (79%) or severe mental disorders (76%) should be offered. A minority (29%) felt that prenatal screening should also be offered for late-onset disorders. Most (41%) preferred to have a free choice from a list of disorders, 31% preferred a 'closed offer' and 26% preferred choosing between packages of disorders. Although most women (76%) thought that screening for a broad range of conditions would avoid much suffering, 39% feared that it would confront couples with choices the implications of which would be difficult to grasp.

CONCLUSION:

The results suggest that the uptake of screening will increase with NIPT. If NIPT will be offered for a broad range of conditions, it is crucial to find a way that facilitates rather than undermines well-informed decision-making.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.