Prenatal invasive diagnosis of genetic conditions in the Netherlands is well organised, based on uniform indications and has a sound financial structure. Facilities for fetal karyotyping and DNA analysis are available in the 8 academic centres. Prenatal diagnosis of metabolic diseases is mainly carried out in Rotterdam. Amniocentesis, transcervical and transabdominal chorionic villus sampling are carried out in all centres, including 4 subcentres. The national Working Party on Prenatal Diagnosis started in 1985 and is a useful platform for all obstetricians and geneticists involved in prenatal diagnosi