One of the most dreaded congenital problems, anencephaly is the absense of most of the brain. Fetuses with anencephaly often die in utero or during birth. Children born with anencephaly tend to live less than a week, although some may survive for months or even years.
It is difficult to think of a more grim prognosis. Yet parents who have continued to term after a diagnosis of anencephaly have found meaning in their children's short lives. With the grief and confusion also comes a deeper sense of the mysteries of life and death. |
A mother who faced this diagnosis for her unborn child posted her story in the Pro Life Forum. Read what she had to say here. |
It is typically assumed that the mother of a fetus with anencephaly will abort, since 98% of them choose to do so. The woman wishing to continue the pregnancy often will face great pressure to just end the ordeal. Those who have continued the pregnancy report bonding with their babies and taking joy in the time with them, even though the baby is in the womb and not in their arms.
Anencephaly
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Emily and Nathan |
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