Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference
Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007
Conference Proceedings
Analysis: The retrieved papers were synthesised using the
classification of evidence framework from the Department of Health
in the National Service Frameworks.
Key findings: Eight main dilemmas were identified: ‘optional’
versus ‘routine’ screening; dependence on risk and probabilitybased
information; merits of first versus second trimester
screening; influence of developments in fetal medicine; influence of
moral, religious and socio-cultural beliefs about termination of
pregnancy; perceptions and knowledge of Down syndrome;
significance of screening results and the potential for having to
make decisions about the standards for entry into the human
community.
Conclusions: It is concluded that there needs to be further debate
and research with pregnant women, healthcare professionals and
policy makers about the potential ethical dilemmas which may arise
from antenatal screening for Down syndrome and supportive
responses required by women, before, rather than following, the
introduction of universal screening.
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