Concern about Pre-Natal Diagnosis

The excitement and anticipation that a pregnancy brings can be second to none.  Parents, grandparents and siblings eagerly await the day they will cuddle the little one whose presence is felt in so many ways. The instinct to love, protect and nurture the child within is very strong.

But what if everything is not ok and your pre-born baby has been diagnosed with a significant impairment or a condition which may be life-limiting? This news can leave you feeling fearful, anxious and confused.

If you are reading this, it may be that you or someone you love is feeling these things after pre-natal testing and diagnosis. We care and would like to walk this journey with you through our Therese Programme.

Depending on the diagnosis, a number of options may have been presented to you. You might have been given treatment options or the choice to terminate (abort) the pregnancy. Please stop and consider all your options before you make a decision.

Physical and/Or Intellectual Impairment
A diagnosis of Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida or other impairment does not mean that he or she will have a lesser life. In fact many people with these conditions live happy, fulfilled lives.

We can put you in contact with adults and children who have these conditions so that you can see the impact their impairment has on their lives and on their families.

We will support you throughout the remainder of your pregnancy and beyond, assisting you to love, protect and nurture your child.

Life-Limiting Conditions

Your baby may have been diagnosed with a condition which the doctors say will be life limiting. It is possible to carry your baby to birth. A plan can be made so that you and your family have precious time with your little one after birth. We will support you throughout the remainder of your pregnancy and all the difficult weeks that lie ahead.


How We Can Help
We are here to help you no matter what your needs are. Through our Therese Programme we can serve you through:

•  Advocacy
•  Support and friendship
•  Access to information
•  Access to families with similar experiences
•  Perinatal Hospice
•  Meeting practical needs for you and your family


"If I had known when they offered us a termination that I would get 67 days I would have been angry with them because they would have been robbing me of 67 days. And even if we didn't get those 67 days we wouldn't have made a different choice... I never have regretted the time we have spent with Joshua... I've never regretted choosing to carry through with the pregnancy and it's not easy to do but it's the best decision." (Susie Sams in 'A Lifetime of Love in 67 Days')

 

Last Updated:  30 January 2014