Prenatal Diagnosis

Serious birth defects, often genetically determined, complicate and threaten the lives of 3 percent of newborn infants1. These disorders account for 20 percent of deaths during the newborn period and an even higher percentage of serious morbidity in infancy and childhood2. The cost of neonatal intensive care is staggering. Higher still are the costs of rehabilitation programs for the severely handicapped. The family tragedy is immeasurable. With the growing recognition of the frequency and importance of congenital disorders and with current social trends toward smaller families and delays in childbearing, prenatal diagnosis has an important role in the . . .