WIB-San Francisco Bay Area: Improving Maternal and Child Health With Advanced Non-Invasive Tech

On November 14, 2024, WIB-San Francisco Bay Area hosted a panel discussion at Natera featuring Carrie Haverty, Morgan Stanton, and Kajal Choudhary, moderated by Vivienne Souter. The discussion centered on the transformative role of cell-free (cf) DNA testing in improving maternal and child health. Experts in obstetrics, precision medicine, and maternal health shared insights into the latest advancements in non-invasive technologies, including their impact on early genetic condition detection, drug discovery, and personalized prenatal care.

The event, attended by 35 participants, highlighted how cfDNA testing empowers families with critical information, promotes healthier outcomes, and ensures that data-driven insights are paired with compassion throughout the pregnancy journey. The panel also addressed efforts to expand equitable access to these technologies, ensuring their benefits reach all populations.

Discussions extended beyond prenatal care, exploring potential applications of non-invasive diagnostics in areas such as reproductive health and endometriosis. Panelists examined how AI and big data analytics are driving advancements in maternal and fetal health, particularly in genomics. From a product and technology perspective, the panel explored recent breakthroughs in IVF diagnostics that have significantly impacted clinical practice. They also identified key research gaps in non-invasive fetal health technologies and discussed strategies to address them for improved clinical outcomes.

The audience engaged actively, asking numerous thought-provoking questions. The session underscored the need for continued innovation and collaboration to advance women’s and children’s health.

Submitted by Tais Richardson