Assessment of reproductive risks and intentions by mothers of children with hemophilia

Abstract

Thirty-five mothers of children with hemophilia were studied in order to ascertain the impact of hemophilia on family planning. Attitudes about reproductive risks and prenatal diagnosis were also examined. The most important factors influencing family planning in this group were parental fulfillment and availability of medical care and education for their affected child. Although 79% of mothers viewed their reproductive risk as moderate to very high, 57% indicated that their reproductive plans had not changed even with this knowledge. While 43% of the group would consider prenatal diagnosis, only 17% would terminate a pregnancy if the fetus was found to have hemophilia. Of those interested in prenatal diagnosis, the majority were interested in knowing if the fetus was affected but would not consider termination of the pregnancy. The majority of mothers in the group did not view having a child with hemophilia as an insurmountable burden on their lives. Therefore, the disease appeared to have little impact on family planning.