Information, Access, and Stress: Ethical Insights From Parents’ Views on Autonomy in Expanded Prenatal Testing

Abstract

This study explores parents’ perspectives on expanded genomic testing in pregnancy and its implications for reproductive autonomy. We conducted four workshops using dialogue group methodology and involving thirty-three Australian parents with recent experience of pregnancy. Participants used a fictional scenario involving prenatal testing to reflect on their own experiences and views. Four interconnected themes were identified: barriers to autonomous testing and choice, the need for guidance and support through the decision-making process, the impact of stress and social expectations on reproductive autonomy, and the importance of information to reproductive autonomy. Participants valued gen..