{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.01812688821752266, 'fraction_numerical': 0.006797583081570997, 'mean_word_length': 5.1342592592592595, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Support after termination for fetal abnormality.


 A follow-up interview with 20 of 80 women who were found by ultrasound diagnosis to be carrying a fetus with a severe structural abnormality suggested that couples do not receive adequate psychosocial support from medical professionals when pregnancy termination is chosen. All 20 women found the pregnancy termination more painful and traumatic than they had anticipated; they indicated they would have liked more information about what to expect. Psychological reactions to the pregnancy termination--sadness, anger, shame, disbelief--took the form of an acute grief reaction. This reaction was most severe among couples who did not see the fetus or a photograph after the induced labor, meaning that they had no tangible memory as a focus for their grief. 9 of the 20 couples received no further medical attention after the pregnancy termination for possible physical or psychological complications. These findings suggest that medical professionals should be educated more fully about the implications of this event. Routine follow-up, preferably by a midwife, is essential in such cases, and referrals should be made where appropriate for individual counseling or participation in a self-help group such as the London-based Support after Termination for Abnormality.
