Feticide does not modify duration of labor induction in cases of medical termination of pregnancy

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the general characteristics and clinical outcome of women who underwent medical termination of pregnancy preceded or not by feticide. Methods: A total of 146 women of diverse gestational ages, who had received a sonographic or genetic diagnosis of fetal abnormality incompatible with postnatal life and chose to legally terminate their pregnancy, had labor induced following feticide (n = 82) or without having feticide performed ( n = 64). Results: The number of obstetrical procedures was higher ( p = 0.001) in the feticide group. Time of labor induction and complications were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Feticide does not alter the clinical obstetrical course of women undergoing medical termination of pregnancy, and poses no risk to maternal health regardless of gestational age.