Amniocentesis for prenatal genetic studies is now a well established diagnostic tool in the obstetrician's armamentarium. This technic, in general use for about six years, however, is grossly under-utilized. In Massachusetts, for example, where 3979 women 35 years of age and older had babies in 1974, only 4.1 per cent availed themselves of the opportunities afforded by prenatal diagnosis. There may be many reasons for the low utilization of early diagnostic amniocentesis. Lack of knowledge by physician and patient alike of the indications for amniocentesis,1 and objections on the basis of religious belief, are perhaps less important than the obstetrician's . . .