Is abortion the right decision if the child's brain is not found in an ultrasound?

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Answer

Yes. Depending on when the ultrasound was given (if before 9 weeks), you may want a few more weeks for a follow-up ultrasound to verify there is no brain. A fetus born without a brain (anencephaly) will die shortly after birth any way, if not later in the pregnancy (stillborn).

Personal Comments & Experiences of Contributors

• I am very sorry about what you are having to go through at this time. It probably is in the best interest of the child's well being and your own to have an abortion at this time. But this is a personal decision you and your husband must make. Having an abortion does not mean you are a sinner or a terrible person. The majority of religions today do not condemn abortions when performed due to health problems of the mother and/or child. An abortion will also not prevent you from having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child in the future.
• I had a friend who went against 2 doctors' opinions to have an abortion for the same reason, due to her religious beliefs. She and her husband now have a child that will have a permanent tube coming out of his head that will never be able to be independent. They will have to care for this child like an infant forever and it will never be able to have a normal life. Their son is now 4 years old and cannot speak or even eat without assistance. If you care enough about the quality of life your child will have, trust your doctor.
• I know this is a really tough spot to be in. It is obvious you love your child and want to care for it, but I have to disagree with these other replies. My sister is a single mom of a beautiful little girl. She was advised the same thing when they found out Olivia would have many troubles after she was born, but my sister chose to have her anyway and she has truly amazed us all with what she has been able to accomplish. I can't imagine what life would be like with out her or what wonderful things she will accomplish in the future. Please take some time to think about the life you could be taking from the world.
• The medical community does not have complete knowledge of the way a human brain functions. They do however know, as has been proven in many ways that the absence of brain waves whether in a fetus or a brain damaged individual designates the inability to think, feel, function, live (life!)
• I believe that it is completely up to you and your husband to make the decision of an abortion. If you both think that you can handle the tough challenges of your child's special needs then have your baby, i know what you may be going through....I have a brother that is mentally ill but he is just like a normal kid. But in a situation such as yours i think the best thing is for you to get an abortion. Just think for your child! How do you expect he or she to grow and live their life with feeling! Abortion seems like the best option.
• Thats something you and your partner should talk about. Its a major thing to go through. Personally, I would end the pregnancy. But that's just me.
• A baby with no brain would not be a mentally challenged child, it be nothing but a shell. I find it hard to believe the embryo/fetus would ever even come to term. The brain controls all aspects of the body. How could there be life without it?? Sad situation. I personally would abort and I would think any reputable doctor would encourage the same thing.
• Don't take our word for it. Talk to your doctor or a specislist!
• Have the test ran again and again. They told my mothers aunt her child was going to be retarded because her amniocentisis came back positive, they begged her to have an abortion, she refused, when she had the baby it was perfectly healthy. He's like 30-40 yrs old today and perfectly healthy.
• If there is no brain there is no life- how is it alive if there is no brain? To me, you'd miscarry it anyways because since its dead your body will get rid of it. I'd have the test ran again... you wouldn't want to have an abortion, then find out the baby had a brain all along.

First answer by Satya negi. Last edit by Halliburton Shill. Contributor trust: 20 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 117 [recommend question]