Trisomy 13- Patau Syndrome - Considering Selective Termination, Abortion or Early Induction?

Trisomy 13 - Patau Syndrome
Pregnancy Options

Available to you for
IMMEDIATE EMAIL & PHONE SUPPORT

Laurie-Beth RN *82-1-510-744-0512
(CA California) Registered nurse (RN) with specialties in Labor and Delivery and Neonatal Intensive Care. Perinatal Hospice and Palliative Care Coordinator, Certified Grief Counselor.

After experiencing the effects of an abortion with a previous pregnancy, these women share their experiences with carrying to term a child with Patau Syndrome - Trisomy 13:
Elisabeth Slotkin (FL Florida)
Debbie Joslin (AK Alaska)

YOU HAVE MANY OPTIONS

Do you know all your options? You are not alone! GET WELL INFORMED so you can make an INFORMED CONSENT on your treatment and the treatment of your child. (If needed, get second and third opinions.)

Consider taking the attitude of embracing life one moment at a time.
Contact one of the immediate support families listed above.
Take some time and get educated about your many options and choices - check out the all the links and resources at the bottom of this page and also view all of our Prenatal Resources
Tap into all kinds of help and resources: financial, emotional and medical.
Browse our albums of living Trisomy 13 children to find out how others have dealt with this diagnosis.
Find local health care specialists that can provide more than the option to terminate.
Consider offering your child to another family who would like to adopt them.
Adopt America Network Connecting families with medically fragile children. For more information
please call toll free: 1-800-246-1731
CHASK Christian Homes & Special Kids For more information please call toll free: 1-800-266-9837
Browse some online forums ex. Google the term “Termination for medical reasons” support boards and groups Read stories of those who made that heartbreaking choice.
Look online for details about the termination procedures
ex. An Abortion/termination procedure a one-minute slideshow/video clip of an abortion/termination procedure. (WARNING: You will see a very brief visual of an actual abortion, the hand and arm, foot and leg coming out, as well as the baby’s head. Along with some moving text.)
And research about the stages of human growth Amazing in utero ultrasound videos
Ask for help and be willing to receive it (you may find it comes from some very unexpected places).
Take time to consider how you and your family will feel about and look back on this experience years from now.
Be open to the possibility that this shocking diagnosis could be an opportunity to expand your family’s capacity for love and bonding by embracing and honoring this child's life - for however long that is.

If you have terminated or interrupted your pregnancy and are in need of grief support, the MISS Foundation offers both online and local support to families who have lost a child under any circumstance. To see if there is a support group in your area, or to register for the Foundation’s online support boards go to: www.missfoundation.org

Considering Selective Termination, Late-term Abortion or Early Induction???

Early induction - "Preterm induction before fetal lung maturity for any reason other than serious danger to the mother’s life, or in the case of existing natural fetal death.""

Late-term Abortion – "At or after 24 weeks or into the third trimester. Often called Second (2nd) or Third (3rd) Trimester Abortion or Therapeutic Procedure."

Terminating a Patau Syndrome Trisomy 13 child for medical reasons will bring an end to the pregnancy sooner, however, it will NOT lessen the grief nor the impact that this child will have on your life.

These parents who have terminated have come to the realization that it was not the trisomy 13 that took their child’s life but it was the termination and interruption of the pregnancy that ended their child’s life. A hard place to be, accept and understand, but also the road to their healing and forgiveness.

There is an increased awareness with the unspoken shame and pain of abortion. After the procedure, many women wish they could bring their child back. They wish they could change their decision to terminate or induce early their child’s life. We appreciate the courage these women show in sharing their experiences, allowing others to understand the never ending sadness and pain elective termination or selective & early induction for any reason brings.

Women are told their life may be in danger, or they need to end their pregnancy to preserve the women’s life or health. Sadly, Trisomy 13 is used often in writings on Early Induction and Late-term Abortion.

REGRET STORIES

These families share the pressures they experienced and how they regret their decision and choice to end the pregnancy:

Debbie
(Alaska)

Cara
(North Carolina) Elisabeth
(Florida)

Katie
(Washington)

Read the stories these women share about the pain and regret they have been left with after taking the advice to terminate after a Trisomy 13. diagnosis.

We each have a unique life journey, often our decisions direct how it moves forward.

It is my hope that the many resources we’ve gathered together will help you on this most unique of life experiences and help you to create special memories with your child.

ThereseAnn
Site facilitator & mom to Natalia-Marie

Many who are given a Trisomy 13 diagnosis are told:

“for your health termination would be best”
“You could abort this child and move on to have another healthy child”
"There is 'no hope' in carrying to term"

Many of our Trisomy families share stories of having been encouraged to terminate, in some cases pressured. You’ll see ad’s targeting our families on the internet for Late Term Abortions – up to 36 weeks.

Terminating a Patau Syndrome Trisomy 13 child for medical reasons will bring an end to the pregnancy sooner, however, it will NOT lessen the grief nor the impact that this child will have on your life.

You are not alone, there is much support available via the internet and trisomy resources to help you navigate this new life journey.

RESOURCES & LINKS - GET ALL THE INFORMATION YOU CAN

Carrying to Term or Elective Termination is a personal choice. Here are some resources and information that will be of support to you before and after. A diagnosis of Trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome) brings many emotions, choices and decisions. It is important that you be your child’s and your own best advocate. If you are considering termination or interrupting this pregnancy, research the many Pre and Post Abortion Resources. Research what is before you physically and emotionally. Consider reading stories from those who have walked this journey. They will help you find Peace.	While this web site has many stories of carrying to term Patau Syndrome, prenatal, living & treasured memory, many of the resources below will offer you stories of those who have terminated their pregnancies. Read from those who’ve experienced both sides of this heartbreaking loss. Pain from an abortion and the pain from the loss of their trisomy (Patau Syndrome) child. Debbie and Elisabeth’s Stories.
Is there a better choice? Only you (the mother of this child) can decide which path you will follow. No one can force you to have an abortion/termination of this pregnancy. It is your choice to do so as well as induce early if that is your wish. You may be in a situation with lack of supportive services from your professionals, family or friends. When ultimately you should be surrounded with caring, gentle and understanding support. We each have freewill and choices on how our lives move forward. There are support resources globally around the world. Whether via the internet or local to your own community. Think ahead, as the years move forward, You can have footprints on a paper, the memory of a termination or have an opportunity to hold your child. Taking loving photos of a child who existed, who was loved, if even for a brief time.
Families before you Terminate your precious child, Please read these articles: A destructive cycle From: BeNotAfraid.net Blog A father reflects on his decision to terminate his child with special needs. “But that dreadful period undoubtedly opened up a crack between us, a crack that later deepened into a rift that could not be healed.” Poor Pre-Abortion Counseling Causes Women and Men Relationship Problems by Steven Ertelt Abortion is seen by some women having them as a way to salvage a relationship with a husband or boyfriend. But, a new study finds women and men who are not properly counseled before the abortion ultimately find themselves suffering from relationship problems and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Pre Abortion, Termination, or Late Term Elective Procedures,
(Early Induction) Support Resources

Pre or Post Abortion/Termination Books & Resources

Post Abortion, Termination, or Late Term Elective Procedures (Early Induction)

Links to helpful pages on this web site

Prenatal Diagnosis Information & Support
Trisomy 13 Support, Resources & Links
Grief Support Message Boards
Grief Support

Meet our Trisomy 13 Families and their Children
Prenatal Ultrasound page
Children & Adults Living with Trisomy 13
Treasured Memories Trisomy 13 Children

VIDEOS & Presentations

IN THE NEWS

Sunday, May 10, 2009 Article in The Washington Times By Julia Duin Choosing not to abort babies with disabilities A Well Written and MUST READ article with many Resources.

From The Sunday Times November 23, 2008 It was all too easy to lose my son

A Different Kind of Crisis Pregnancy: When There is “Bad News” About Baby Article By Monica Rafie, founder and administrator of BeNotAfraid.Net

OB discusses perinatal hospice
BeNotAfraid.net is a wonderful new BLOG
A grief conserved (Full Article) Perinatal hospice offers an alternative to the trauma of aborting a disabled child | Matt Anderson

Prenatal Partners Second Thoughts Resources, Second Thoughts Stories

Are Late-Term Abortions Still Happening? Video - Jill Stanek RN, talks about Induced Labor Termination.

Feeling pressure to induce early? Selective induction, termination, abortion. - REAL, CONFIDENTIAL, FREE, NON-JUDGMENTAL HELP TO AVOID ABORTION, FROM MANY PLACES: 3,400 confidential and totally free groups to call and go to in the U.S...1,400 outside the U.S. 98 of these in Canada. Free, financial help given to women and families in need. More help given to women, families. Helping with mortgage payments and more. More help. The $1,950 need has been met! CPCs help women with groceries, clothing, cribs, "safe haven" places. Help for those whose babies have Down Syndrome, Other Birth Defects. $$ Help Adopting the Babies.

Looking Termination/Abortion/Early Induction in the eye - A Priests for Life Website - Images of Fetal Development - GRAPHIC IMAGES OF ABORTION, Pictures of Aborted Babies, & Videos of Abortion

LIFE ON THE LINE- Many of our Trisomy families are encouraged to terminate these babies. Rev. Pavone has posted three videos on You Tube in which he demonstrates the most common abortion procedures, using the actual abortion instruments and fetal models. In one video you see the actual babies being examined by a doctor. We ask you to view and to spread far and wide these challenging videos. The links are as follows: YouTube videos
Dismemberment D&E Procedure
Suction Abortion Procedure

Partial Birth Abortion (You Tube videos)

RealChoice (BLOG) - The side of “choice” the American abortion lobby doesn’t want you to see.

Real Choice - Trisomy 13, 18, & Related Disorders - Links to information and support for parents whose child has been diagnosed with Trisomy abnormality

National Helpline for Abortion Recovery - Links You May Find Helpful

Forbidden Grief The Unspoken Pain of Abortion - It's time to move beyond the politics of abortion.
For more than 30 years, our nation has argued about abortion. In that time, over 30 million women have had one or more abortions.
While the political battle rages, little has been done to address the emotional needs of those who struggle with feelings of grief, shame, guilt, feeling judged by others. Instead, social taboos stifle discussion of abortion-related feelings. Women are left feeling isolated, and their recovery is inhibited.

See other book recommendations

“Newgenics” - Government program that imposes a quality of life judgment - viability

Exclusive: Twenty Years of Eugenic Abortion at Ontario Catholic Hospital Special Report presents hospital policy document approving the procedure By John-Henry Westen

Post Abortion Help - Poor Pre-Natal - A Ray of Hope for Those Suffering Abortion's Aftermath - An invitation to healing from someone who has suffered the loss of a child from abortion due to a poor prenatal diagnosis ~ About Lumina

Concepts of Truth - Hurting from Abortion? 24/7 Confidential Help – Phone support
National Helpline for Abortion Recovery - Men and Women support

After abortion Life after abortion: News, opinion, personal experience, resources.

TERMINATION/ABORTION IMMEDIATE PHONE SUPPORT - Rachels Vineyard Theresa Burke, PhD, Founder, Executive Director has a toll-free number for IMMEDIATE SUPPORT ( 877 HOPE 4 ME ) and has someone answering the phone at all times. Calling them may be a great source of support and comfort for you. They are available NOW RETREAT information Their Healing Retreats are Nationwide and they have a minimal fee, and scholarships $$ for those needing financial assistance. Rachel’s Vineyard - Healing the trauma of Abortion and Termination for medical Reasons This is a wonderful support site and program for those who have had an abortion, and for those who felt pressured to terminate for medical reasons.
Support for men Helpful Resources

Symptoms of Post-Abortion Trauma

After Abortion - By age 45, 1 out of every 2.5 women in the United States has had at least one abortion!* "Politically Neutral", How you feel after an abortion should not be a 'political' or 'religious' issue - if you have a need for support, or emotional or physical problems, they should be treated just like the issues with any other medical procedure.
PASS AWARENESS – PASS Post Abortion Stress Syndrome

Silent No More - Do you regret your abortion? Do you regret your termination? What are the Goals of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign? Educate the public that abortion is harmful emotionally, physically and spiritually with lasting consequences.

Abortion-Breast Cancer Link (You Tube videos)

Abortion Breast Cancer - Women were never told about their findings. As of 2006, eight medical organizations recognize that abortion raises a woman's risk for breast cancer, independently of the risk of delaying the birth of a first child (a secondary effect that all experts already acknowledge). An additional medical organization, the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, issued a statement in 2003 calling on doctors to inform patients about a "highly plausible" relationship between abortion and breast cancer.

Prenatal Diagnosis and Reproductive Justice Below is a portion of this article

When prenatal testing identifies a terminal condition, real reproductive justice provides resources and information about Hospice or palliative care for newborns and infants. These children and their families deserve true support – medical, spiritual, and psychological – as they face the end of a short life.

Studies suggest that many undergoing prenatal testing are not thinking in terms of abortion. Yet, when a woman is given the news that the child she is carrying has a disability or illness, but before the reality of the diagnosis even settles in, she is often urged by her doctor to “terminate” the pregnancy quickly. One study found most abortions because of fetal abnormality occurred within 72 hours of the woman receiving the test results. Three days hardly allows time to become informed about resources available to parents of children with these disabilities. But as women weigh the news, they are faced with pressure from their physicians who want to avoid complications of a later term abortion.

Even Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, notes on its website that studies show that “those who choose abortion because of genetic conditions may suffer more serious emotional effects and may have a greater need for counseling than those who elect abortion for socioeconomic or psychological reasons.”
to read in full click here

“Have you ever noticed
that when a women is considering aborting a healthy baby, the doctors assure her
that her baby is too young and immature to feel the pain of being stabbed, poisoned, or dismembered
--- but if the mother wanted to NOT abort an unhealthy baby,
she is told that her baby is in terrible pain and that she must abort to spare him.”

- Christina Dunigan
http://realchoice.blogspot.com/

View all of our Prenatal Resources