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.

[LittlePeaPod]

Yes I would terminate. DH and I talked about this prior to ttc and we both agreed under these circumstances a termination would be the right thing for us to do.

[zen1980]

Yes I recently had to terminate for another diagnosis at 24wks but at the same time my friend was unaware she was carrying a baby with Edwards. Her little one suffered in the ; days she lived and my friend admits it would have been easier to know. Huge hugs x

[Rosduk]

We lost our son this time last year two hours after he was born. If I could save myself from the guilt and constant heartbreak, knowing he was in pain for those 2 short hours and unable to be held by the parents that love him so much, I would.

[RescueCack]

No, I wouldn't.

[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.

[Mignonette]

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

[SteeleyeStan]

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

[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?

[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.

[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.

[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

[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

[Figgygal]

Yes I also would

[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

[Sweetheartyparty76]

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

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Bombaybunty]

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

[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.

[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.