Would you abort for Edwards syndrome?

[nappyaddict]

I know they say that most babies with Edwards syndrome are stillborn or die before they are 2 months old. But then there was Luke Winston-Jones who died at 10 months old and little Baby Grace who died a couple of days ago aged 5 months. After seeing how happy she looks in some of the photos and videos it has made me question whether I would abort for Edwards syndrome. Her own parents have said despite the broken hearts they have they would do it all again in a heartbeat because the last 5 months have been the best of their lives.

[EachandEveryone]

I wouldnt think twice about it.

[vrnzjwl]

I think you better do some research on Edwards syndrome. If you are an intelligent woman. You can fore see how much more horrible it would be for a woman to go through the entire pregnancy only to look upon an extremely(in most cases) deformed child and watch them die shortly after they are born, why put yourself through such a horrible experience. The testing they do for this syndrome is very conclusive and there's different things they can see as to how bad it will be. Given that information when there's really no hope?? why on earth go through this. It makes no sense

[Strokethefurrywall]

I'm so very sorry for your loss Hlister90

I hope you have some wonderful people surrounding you right now and you're able to take the time to grieve and begin to heal.

[Hlister90]

Just came across this thread and it's a bit of a sore subject for me, as my baby was diagnosed with Edwards syndrome almost 5 weeks ago and almost 4 weeks ago I made the difficult and heartbreaking decision not to continue with the pregnancy.

I appreciate that everyone's decision is purely based on the individuals themselves and I would never dream of judging anyone as it was the most heartbreaking and difficult thing I have ever had to go through in my life.

My decision was based on the fact that I already have a 3 year old girl who was aware that I was pregnant, we were so excited about having a baby brother for her however, I personally thought it would be more traumatising for both her and me to have continued, as I had an increased risk of miscarriage and the odds that the baby wouldn't live very long after birth.

I gave birth to my beautiful baby boy at 21 weeks and although he was born sleeping I was able to stay overnight in hospital with him by my side and had various mementos given to me by the hospital. We also had a private burial a week later. So I was lucky that this experience was made so special for me and I wouldn't change a thing I definately made the right decision for me.

I send all my love to anyone who ever has to go through it, it's unfair and heartbreaking but I'm slowly beginning to live my life again for the sake of my daughter.

We will always remember our son and he will always be a part of our life, I do not like to use the word "abort" or "termination" as I would never have wanted to do that but it was the best option for me and family.

For anyone being faced with this decision, follow your heart and do what's best for you and no one else.

[hazeyjane]

I think unless you are in the position of having to make the decision, it is impossible to say. We have incidence of Edwards in our family, but it is still not so etching I would make suppositions about.

for all who have had to make those decisions.

[WordGetsAround]

No. I'm not entirely sure the medics know as much as we think they do before a child is born. Not a risk I could take.

[Bombaybunty]

I did. We felt it was the best option for our family.

[lemonpoppyseed]

I never thought I would, but I did, seven years ago for Patau syndrome, at 15 weeks. It was picked up at my 12 week scan (my baby had very little brain, organs were growing outside its body etc). It's impossible to know how you would feel until it happens to you. It was the most awful three weeks of my life. Hugs to anyone forced to make this most heartbreaking of decisions.

[IAmAPaleontologist]

I don't know. I have always thought that if I were known to have a baby that was not going to live then I would not terminate as I would want to birth my baby, hold them and say goodbye. But I have 3 children now, all of whom are old enough not to be able to hide things or skirt around the issue so I don't know, I don't know if I could put them through that. But I don't think any of us knows what we would actually do until we are faced with the situation. I have always refused the NT screening anyway.

[kiki22]

I would if my child wasn't going to have a good quality of life and die young. My other kids would be a huge factor if I didn't have them I may feel differently but I couldn't put them through the pain especially the older one.

[MadameJosephine]

I'm very thankful that I have never had to make the decision and I suppose unless you have you can never really say what you would do but I'm pretty sure I would have a termination for T18

[Sweetheartyparty76]

I'm sorry that you are faced with this decision OP. My thoughts are with you and your family

[Sweetheartyparty76]

Two years ago, our baby was thought to have a 1 in 3 chance of Pataus or Edwards. Unfortunately, the cvs was clear for those but positive for a lethal skeletal dysplasia. We chose to end our pregnancy at 15 weeks. It was the hardest decision of our lives but I know to my core that it was right one. Our baby would've lived a few hours and I think in severe suffering. I could not do that to him x

[Figgygal]

Yes I also would

[alltouchedout]

Very, very likely yes.
But not having been in that situation, obviously I can't say for sure.

to those of you who have faced this choice

[JessRussell]

I couldn't abort, one of my close friends had a little brother with Edwards syndrome, he sadly passed away in November just before his 8th birthday. And he was such a happy little boy despite any pain he was in. I understand why some people would choose not to carry on with the pregnancy tho

[Rinastar]

I wish I'd seen this thread when it was first posted as at that time I was pregnant with an Edwards baby. I DID NOT terminate and I am glad I didn't as i wouldn't have had the precious time however short it was with my perfect baby girl.
Unless you are actually placed in the position of choosing life or death for your unborn disabled child you can not comment truly.

[ChicaMomma]

Yes, i most certainly would abort :(
I'm having the nuchal tests done this day week, i'm terrified to be honest. Absolutely terrified.

[fifi669]

I think in cases such as this, ending the pregnancy should be thought as euthanasia and not abortion if you see what I mean?

[SteeleyeStan]

Yes, I would. I'd feel desperately sad to do so, but still would.

[Mignonette]

My love to all of you who have endured such loss. .

[indyandlara]

Different situation but I found out as I went into labour that my son would die and was unlikely to even survive labour. I would have given everything I had for him to breathe or open his eyes, even if just for a minute. These are awful, desperate decisions for people to make and I think you can never be sure what you would do unless you are faced with the situation.