Genetic Disorders and the Fetus

Technological advances continue to expand the number of genetic disorders that can be diagnosed in utero. Utilization of this new technology has de­ manded special expertise available in relatively few academic centers. As these new applications have become more widespread so have the realities of the medicolegal implications. Notwithstanding the laboratory challenges, most legal action, at least in the United States, has arisen from the physician's failure to inform a patient about the risks of