The International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis (ISPD) was founded in 1996 and is derived from the meetings of the International Congresses on Early Prenatal Diagnosis. The original meetings were convened in the United Kingdom with the purpose of serving as an exchange for the evolving procedure of chorionic villus sampling. This initial goal expanded in response to the need of the international scientific community for focused communication in the discipline. The goal continued to be fostering international exchange in prenatal genetic diagnosis through governance of a society that was democratic in nature. The mission of the International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis is to (a) advance the art and science of all aspects of fetal diagnosis, including pre-implantation diagnosis, fetal imaging, fetal chromosome analysis and DNA diagnosis, prenatal screening, fetal therapy, ethical and psychosocial issues and the provision of prenatal diagnostic services; (b) foster education in and knowledge of the above areas, among members and the public, by means of international symposia, meetings, and courses; (c) encourage the exchange of information and experience among members and between members and the public; and (d) offer a platform from which a variety of relevant opinions may be disseminated to members, other professionals and the public.