This issue offers a truly comprehensive and up-to-date review of several prenatal tests and screenings, e.g. for the diagnosis of genetic diseases, de novo minute ESACs, aneuploidy, and thrombophilias as well as preimplantation genetic testing. It expands the discussion to the social, ethical and economical questions arising from these rapidly advancing techniques: guidelines for prenatal testing are discussed; a debate on the appropriateness of the current 35-year-old threshold is included, and the option of universal prenatal testing as well as patient decision-making are considered. The complex issues involved in the use of these techniques, including the broadening indications, the issues of accuracy and effectiveness, and the ethical concerns that have been raised, are all duly considered. All obstetricians and other physicians involved in maternal and fetal medicine will find this publication a useful and succinct overview of the important currently emerging issues.