Prenatal screening, diagnosis, and termination of pregnancy in First Nations and rural women.

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess differences in utilization of maternal serum screening (MSS) and prenatal diagnostic testing between population subgroups and to determine the impact on chromosomal anomaly birth rates.

Methods: This population-based cohort study included all female residents from Saskatchewan, Canada, who delivered a baby, experienced a fetal loss, or had a pregnancy termination between 2000 and 2005. In total, 93 171 women were included in the study dataset, with a subset (n = 35 527) evaluated to identify predictors of screening and diagnostic testing.

Exploring physicians' views and values in relation to maternal serum screening.

Objective: Little is known about physician support for prenatal screening. We sought a better understanding of physicians' values and opinions as they relate to prenatal screening, termination of affected pregnancies, and disability.

Methods: Surveys were sent to all family physicians/general practitioners and obstetricians in Saskatchewan during May and June 2005.