Neonatal death following termination of pregnancy.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to look at neonatal death following termination of pregnancy in 31 cases over a six-year period in our region and to determine why this was occurring. We have highlighted two main areas of concern: failure to perform feticide in keeping with RCOG advice, and classification and registration below the clinical limit of viability. In these circumstances, appropriate counselling of the family and an antenatal plan for the postnatal care of the dying infant made prior to delivery are essential. We question the rationale of the existing classification and registration requirements below the clinical limit of viability.