Stories of Prenatal Diagnosis: Shyla L.
A prenatal diagnosis is often accompanied by the pressure to abort, leaving most parents feeling unsupported by the medical community and society at large. In our series “Stories of Prenatal Diagnosis,” we share testimonies of parents who received a diagnosis while pregnant and their personal experience in handling it. Today’s story is from Shyla L.
If you are interested in sharing your experience with prenatal screening, please complete this survey.
What conditions did your screening results indicate?
Complex congenital heart defects and questionable Down syndrome.
Did it turn out to be the case that your child had these conditions?
No Down syndrome, just heart defects.
Please tell your story of your experience in your own words.
At my 20-week anatomy scan, we learned my son had congenital heart defects. Immediately, the doctors began acting as if this was a death sentence and my son was non-viable. They began repeatedly pushing abortion as the only logical option for us, despite me telling them I wasn’t interested.
I continued the pregnancy and my son was born full-term and screaming, and he has thrived despite needing three surgeries. I can’t imagine how I would’ve lived with myself if I had chosen to abort him, he brings so much joy to our family.
What aspects, if any, did you like about the way your medical team handled the situation?
Nothing. I was pushed to abort and then treated as if I were being cruel by refusing to have one.
What aspects, if any, did you dislike about the way your medical team handled the situation?
I was treated horribly.
What recommendations do you have for medical providers who are giving parents prenatal screening results?
Give the results and the percentage of likelihood, and then allow parents to make their own decisions without being coerced. Respect their choice as doing what they think is best for their child.
What recommendations do you have for parents who are receiving prenatal screening results?
Do your own research and seek second or third opinions if you want.
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