Prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy termination in Israeli-Arab women of families with a deaf child

Hearing loss, the most prevalent human sensory impairment, can be helped when detected early. This article examined 854 IsraeliArab Christian and Muslim women who had hearing impaired children as regards undergoing prenatal invasive examinations, considering pregnancy termination because of deafness. Women with children with non-genetic hearing loss opted more for prenatal invasive tests and pregnancy terminations in both categories. Christian women opted for more invasive prenatal tests and more pregnancy terminations. Muslim genetic and medical personnel sensitive to religious views are needed to offer genetic counselling and promote awareness of treatment options, which will aid the parents in decision-making.