In recent years it has become possible to diagnose certain genetic abnormalities by investigation of fatal cells obtained in aspirated amniotic fluid and this has sometimes provided the opportunity to terminate pregnancy before the fetus is viable.

• 近年来已能通过检查吸取羊水中的胎儿细胞诊断一些遗传异常，并因此有时在胎儿成熟前终止妊娠。