Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) provides non-directive support and information to parents before, during and after prenatal testing
We offer parents specialised support for as long as it is needed when they receive a worrying screening result or when a fetal anomaly is diagnosed in their unborn baby*, to enable them to make decisions which are appropriate to their individual circumstances.
ARC offers non-directive information and support to parents who are:
- Making decisions before, during and after the prenatal testing process
- Told that their unborn baby has an abnormality
- Making difficult decisions about continuing a pregnancy
- Making difficult decisions about ending a pregnancy
- Coping with complex and painful issues after making a decision, including bereavement
Around 750,000 women in the UK become pregnant every year, and all of them will be offered a screening test such an ultrasound scan, and/or a serum (blood) test. More than 35,000 women will be told that there is a risk their unborn baby has a serious fetal abnormality. This will cause a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty for the parents and their families.
Most parents will ultimately be reassured that the pregnancy is progressing as expected. Unfortunately, some will receive the devastating news that their baby has a serious, sometimes fatal disorder, or a condition where the outlook is uncertain.
ARC also works closely with health care professionals to help them provide the best possible care in sensitive circumstances.
* We use the word 'baby' and 'parent' in our literature as most people who contact ARC choose to use these words. However, we appreciate that not everyone is comfortable with this terminology, and ARC staff will always take the lead from callers.