8. What Does Prenatal Testing Mean for Women Who Have Tested?

We have conducted and analysed 49 qualitative interviews with women in Germany and Israel who had actually taken a prenatal test. The analysis was focussed on the meanings attributed to testing, i.e. their reasons and aims of testing. Seven typical meaning patterns have been found. They range from seeking empowerment from the knowledge gained, avoiding suffering, being prepared for a child with special needs to satisfying the social environment, or fulfilling the physician's recommendation. The findings give insight into the hermeneutics of testing from the point of view of those who have tested.