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In this episode of the Healthful Woman podcast, host Dr. Nathan Fox is joined by Dr. Ariana Huselid, a forensic psychiatrist, to share part one of her story of termination for medical reasons. Ariana shares the heartbreak of receiving a fatal prenatal diagnosis and the medical decisions that followed. Her goal in telling this story is to shed light on an often misunderstood, under-discussed, and stigmatized topic.

Ariana’s Medical Termination Story

At 33 years old, Ariana woke up one day and decided she wanted to have kids. Being in a marriage where her husband did not want kids, she had a divorce and moved home. Knowing that she was getting older, she had frozen her eggs. She soon met her now husband, and they became pregnant. When her baby was the gestational age of 18 weeks she went in for a scan with her husband. Ariana shared, “The scan itself is one of the most disturbing memories…I immediately knew there was something really not right. And, you know, the ultrasonographer, you know, was a little bit subdued. But what I now realize in retrospect and, you know, very quickly in retrospect was I just didn’t have any amniotic fluids. I was staring at this image on the screen. I was like, this is not what a baby looks like.”

Ariana’s Fetal Abnormalities Diagnosis at 18 Weeks

Ariana, who became pregnant with a very wanted baby boy, discovered at 18 weeks at her scan that her son had no kidneys, a condition incompatible with life. After her son’s diagnosis, she had many conversations with maternal-fetal medicine specialists, a legally mandated 72-hour waiting period, and made the choice to end the pregnancy through a surgical procedure. Ariana shared, “However, people feel about this, this is a reality and this is a situation that people don’t always envision when they talk about abortion and termination.”

Medical Care for Her Pregnancy Complications

Throughout the episode, Ariana shares the importance of compassionate communication from healthcare providers. She shares how her doctor provided clarity, empathy, and guidance at every step, making an unbearable situation more manageable. Despite the emotional toll, Ariana felt supported in her decision-making and appreciative of the care she received.

The Importance of Understanding Medical Pregnancy Termination

By sharing her journey, Ariana hopes to validate the experiences of others facing similar realities and advocate for thoughtful, informed conversations about reproductive health. She emphasizes that termination for medical reasons is not about taking the “easy way out,” but about making the most humane decision possible when no good options exist.

About Termination for Medical Reasons

Termination for medical reasons, is a medical procedure often chosen after diagnostic tests or screening tests reveal a serious fetal anomaly or medical condition that affects the baby’s health. It can be a complex decision for a pregnant person, when it involves a deeply wanted pregnancy, and often requires compassionate abortion care from experienced healthcare professionals. For pregnant women navigating this journey, access to mental health resources, post abortion support, and support groups is vital, as this process can significantly impact women’s mental health and is best managed with the guidance of health professionals trained in both medical abortion and emotional care.

Learn More

Listen to the full episode, part one of Ariana’s story, or continue by listening to part two of her story, where Ariana and Dr. Fox continue the conversation about healing, advocacy, and hope after loss. To learn more, contact Carnegie Hill Imaging for Women in New York through our online contact form.

Carnegie Imaging for Women blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!