A cross-country comparison of pregnant women's decision-making and perspectives when opting for non-invasive prenatal testing in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The Netherlands and Belgium have been among the first countries to offer non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) as a first-tier screening test. Despite similarities, differences exist in counseling modalities and test uptake. This study explored decision-making and perspectives of pregnant women who opted for NIPT in both countries.

METHODS:

A questionnaire study was performed among pregnant women in the Netherlands (NL) (n = 587) and Belgium (BE) (n = 444) opting for NIPT, including measures on informed choice, personal and societal perspectives on trisomy 21, 18 and 13 and pregnancy termination.

RESULTS:

Differences between Dutch and Belgian women were shown in the level of informed choice (NL: 83% vs. BE: 59%, p < 0.001), intention to terminate the pregnancy in case of confirmed trisomy 21 (NL: 51% vs. BE: 62%, p = 0.003) and trisomy 13/18 (NL: 80% vs. BE: 73%, p = 0.020). More Belgian women considered trisomy 21 a severe condition (NL: 64% vs. BE: 81%, p < 0.001). Belgian women more frequently indicated that they believed parents are judged for having a child with trisomy 21 (BE: 42% vs. NL: 16%, p < 0.001) and were less positive about quality of care and support for children with trisomy 21 (BE: 23% vs. NL: 62%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

Differences in women's decision-making regarding NIPT and the conditions screened for may be influenced by counseling aspects and country-specific societal and cultural contexts.

• Authors: Lore Lannoo, Karuna R M van der Meij, Mireille N Bekker, Luc De Catte, Sarah Deckers, Koenraad Devriendt, Nele Roggen, Robert-Jan H Galjaard, Janneke Gitsels-van der Wal, Merryn V E Macville, Linda Martin, Erik A Sistermans, Kristel Van Calsteren, Joachim Van Keirsbilck, Neeltje Crombag, Lidewij Henneman
• Journal: Prenatal diagnosis (Prenat Diagn) Vol. 43 Issue 3 Pg. 294-303 (03 2023) ISSN: 1097-0223 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 36740754 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2023 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Topics

• Child
• Pregnancy
• Female
• Humans
• Down Syndrome (diagnosis)
• Pregnant Women
• Prenatal Diagnosis (psychology)
• Netherlands
• Belgium
• Trisomy 18 Syndrome (diagnosis)