Prenatal diagnosis (PND)
Every woman and every couple wishes for a healthy child. Yet 3-5 % of newborns come into the world with illnesses or disabilities.
In the last few years, medicine has developed a range of pre-birth examination possibilities (prenatal diagnosis = PND), to recognize illnesses and abnormalities in the unborn child. Today, PND has become almost a standard service for all pregnant women, however PND is no guarantee of a healthy child.
The advisory service of pro familia Mainz offers you the following possibilities:
Before an examination:
- Form your own opinion on the examinations offered
- Be supported in your decision, whether you have the examination(s) carried out and which ones
While waiting for the results:
- Help you get through the waiting period
- Help to deal with fears and doubts
- Think about possible consequences
After the examination:
- Discuss what the findings mean
- Make a decision that you are confident with, in the case of unusual findings
- Find out about the assistance offered when living with an ill or disabled child
- Be informed about medical, legal and psychological aspects of an abortion
- Be accompanied after an abortion or the death of a child
- Support possibilities and finding reserves of power – e.g. in the partnership
Every pregnant woman and every couple has the right to a psychosocial consultation before, during and after PND.
The consultation is voluntary and free. The consultation at pro familia takes into account your individual circumstances and is open ended.
Further info
- AsbH e.V. – Working group for Spina bifida and hydrocephalus
- Anencephalic information
- Federal Association for children with heart disease
- LEONA – Association for parents of chromosomally damaged children
- German Down-Syndrome Info Center
- Turner Syndrome Association Germany
- German Klinefelter Syndrome Association
- Federal Association of Life Assistance for People with Mental Handicaps
- Federal Association for Physically and Multiple Handicapped People
- Sternenkinder (children who died before, during or shortly after birth)
- Rainbow initiative “Failed pregnancy”