The Fetal Medicine Foundation

The Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) is a United Kingdom-based registered charity (Charity number 1037116) dedicated to improving the health of pregnant women and their babies through research and education in fetal medicine. Established to advance fetal diagnosis and therapy, the Foundation plays a pivotal role in pioneering new methods and standards in the field of fetal healthcare.

Mission and Activities

The core mission of the FMF is the advancement of health and the saving of lives by promoting research in fetal medicine and facilitating the dissemination of knowledge among healthcare professionals globally. The Foundation undertakes several key activities to realize its mission:

• Conducting and sponsoring research projects that aim to enhance fetal diagnosis and therapy techniques.

• Providing grants to individuals and organizations involved in fetal medicine research and education.

• Offering educational programs, including a series of competency certificates and training courses, designed for doctors, healthcare professionals, and expectant parents.

• Acting as a resource and umbrella body, supporting an international network of experts and fostering collaboration within the fetal medicine community.

Since its inception, the FMF has invested substantially in scholarships and research grants, donating over £45 million in the past 25 years. Notably, in 2016/2017, the Foundation contributed £22 million to King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to support and expand their fetal medicine services.

Significant Contributions

One of the FMF’s landmark achievements is the development of the algorithm for calculating the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomies in fetuses. This algorithm, introduced by the FMF, has been widely adopted and has remained accurate and reliable without modification since 2012. The Foundation continues to offer the first trimester screening (FTS) free of charge to all FMF certified users, maintaining the existing licensing process to support widespread clinical use.

Organizational Structure and Funding

The FMF’s primary sources of income include The Fetal Medicine Centre and King's Fertility. Its funding model supports its research grants, training programs, and contributions to healthcare institutions. Operating mainly throughout London, the FMF’s influence extends internationally through its educational initiatives and expert collaborations.

The Foundation organizes significant events such as the World Congress in Fetal Medicine, providing a global platform for sharing research, advances, and clinical practices.

Impact and Reach

The FMF focuses on benefiting the general public by enhancing prenatal care quality and outcomes. Its programs and research have had a tangible impact on healthcare standards in fetal medicine, supporting healthcare professionals in delivering expert care and expectant parents in making informed decisions.

Together with its international partners, including FMF USA, the Foundation advocates for excellence and innovation in women’s healthcare worldwide, continuing to expand its reach through education, certification, and research sponsorship.

This summary reflects the Fetal Medicine Foundation's contributions to fetal healthcare research, education, and clinical excellence as a registered UK charity.

[1] https://fetalmedicine.org [2] https://fetalmedicine.org/contact-us [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1037116 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/1037116/what-who-how-where [5] https://fetalmedicineusa.com