Fetal screening

Overview
Fetal screening refers to any tests that allow a fetus to be tested for certain traits or characteristics.

Procedures
Common procedures include:
 * amniocentesis,
 * sonograms,
 * nuchal translucency testing, or
 * genetic screening.

Indications

 * Most often this is performed to test for birth defects.


 * The tests can be used to check for conditions such as Down syndrome, spina bifida, cleft palate, Tay Sachs disease, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, and fragile x syndrome.


 * In some cases, the tests are administered to determine if the fetus will be aborted.


 * In some cases, fetal screening has been done to determine characteristics generally not considered birth defects.


 * In some parts of the world, if a fetus is determined to be female, it is sometimes aborted. The rise of designer babies and parental selection for specific traits raises a host of bioethical and legal issues that will dominate reproductive rights debates in the 21st century.