Chorionic villus sampling: what are the risks?

Once again, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), or placental biopsy as it is sometimes known, has become the subject of public interest. CVS offers a rapid diagnosis for women whose babies are at risk of a genetic or chromosomal abnormality, at earlier gestations than previously provided by the traditional second trimester amniocentesis test. This means that the agonising wait for results and the trauma of a second trimester termination are greatly reduced. However, CVS is not without its disadvantages. For the lay public, the academic ‘ping pong’ between the protagonists and antagonists of CVS must be confusing and worrying. Much of the ‘evidence’ about the risks published in the press or broadcast by the media, are more concerned with creating an impact rather than an open and well informed debate.