Resource allocation and the beginning of life.

Like many other countries, Australia is increasingly being forced to face the spiralling costs of health care. Population increases, an aging population, and the high cost of many items of modern medical equipment and of medical care generally, have all contributed to the pressure on health care resources. Within this climate of resource scarcity, more and more questions are being asked about the prioritization of items of health expenditure. The aim of this article is to consider the claim of reproductive technology, prenatal care, and prenatal diagnosis on health care resources and to evaluate the balance between treatments and preventative measures.