In less than a decade, prenatal screening has been transformed.

The introduction of non-invasive prenatal testing, also known as cell-free DNA testing, means women can now undergo more accurate, non-invasive screening for fetal abnormalities earlier in their pregnancy.

But it’s an option that remains out of reach for many.

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) was first introduced commercially in Australia in 2012, but remains unfunded by either Medicare or private health insurers. Women must pay $400 or more to access the test.