ARC provides non-directive support and information to parents before, during and after prenatal testing
In the UK around 750,000 women become pregnant every year and every one of these will be offered some form of screening test, such as an ultrasound scan and/or a serum test (blood test). As a result more than 35,000 women will be told that there is a risk that their unborn baby may have a serious 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.
Our aim is to enable parents to make decisions throughout screening and testing in pregnancy
ARC is the only national charity which provides non-directive support and information to parents before, during and after antenatal testing. We offer parents specialised support for as long as is needed when an abnormality is diagnosed in their unborn baby. Our aim is to enable parents to make decisions during antenatal testing which are appropriate to their individual circumstances.
ARC offers information and support to parents who are:
- Making decisions before, during and after the antenatal testing process
- Told that their unborn baby has an abnormality
- Having to make difficult decisions about continuing the pregnancy
- Having to make difficult decisions about ending the pregnancy
- Having to cope with complex and painful issues after a decision, including bereavement
Help is offered for as long as is needed
ARC acts as the national voice:
- Representing the views of parents in Parliament, the media, government bodies and the NHS
- Using parents' experience to influence professional practice through training, talks, conferences and networking
ARC is governed by a Board of Trustees made up of parent members and professionals, and is supported by a medical advisory body and patrons.