Selective Reduction

By coincidence, CLIMB began around the time of the “boom” in fertility technology. The increase in multiple pregnancies, births and losses coming from it has meant that we have been in contact with many who are facing, or have faced, a decision about selective reduction. What most people refer to as “selective reduction” is actually one of two things: Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction (MFPR), because of the high number conceived; or Selective Termination, because one or more of the twins or higher multiples has a congenital or other problem. Some parents we’ve known have faced a combination of those situations, for example conceiving quadruplets and two are diagnosed as being in the same sac and having a condition such as anencephaly. Still others have had to make a decision about terminating the entire pregnancy because both babies have a lethal congenital problem, or because of a condition or situation that is hopeless for the babies and may threaten the life of the mother (see the Loss of Both or All section, “My Conjoined Twins”).

Decisions about MFPR or selective termination are another very unique aspect of the realm of multiple conceptions and multiple births. The lives and welfare of other babies who are equally wanted and loved are directly and immediately involved. We believe it is of utmost importance for parents and others to realize and remember this – and that parents find themselves in these situations exactly because of how much they do want children. While MFPR should not be a permanent substitute for continuing to refine the use of fertility technology, both it and selective termination procedures were developed to enable the many parents who might or would have otherwise terminated or lost the entire pregnancy to try to bring home a living, relatively healthy baby or babies from it instead.

Some articles in print on the medical and emotional aspects of MFPR and selective termination are listed in our Bibliography. Anyone who has been involved in a decision on whether or not to have MFPR or selective termination is welcome to contribute their story and comments to this site. Several stories involving them are in the Loss of Both or All section of this site. Also, if you are pregnant now after a difficult decision, please see our site section If You Are Pregnant Now on pregnancy after the loss of a multiple⁄s in-utero.