Viability does anyone know?

adele · #1 (**permalink**) 28-Feb-2008, 17:23

Well my friend from college has just been for an interview and in one of the multiple choice questions she was asked " at what gestation would the fetus be viable" we could'nt decide !! does anyone know the correct answer ?

ollybolly · #2 (**permalink**) 28-Feb-2008, 17:28

mmm, not sure if it offical answer, but i would say 24 wks, which is why the abortion limit is set at this point. Although of course we all know the cases of 23 wk survivors, which is why campaigners want it lowered.....

adele · #3 (**permalink**) 28-Feb-2008, 17:52

Yeah that's what we said but then wondered at which point do you have to register the baby's death if born as a still born? thought it was 26-28wks not sure or is it 24wks as well ?

pigeonpair · #4 (**permalink**) 28-Feb-2008, 18:04

Hiya, I thought it was 24 weeks but there have been many cases of 23 weeks gestation surviving. I think the youngest is 21 weeks which is why as someone mentioned before they want the limit lowered. I think though that even up to 27/28 weeks or more, consultants still prepare service users for the worst. xx