In their footsteps: a brief history of maternal-fetal surgery

These four individuals are recognized because at a critical point in the evolution of maternal-fetal surgery they contributed in ways that uniquely advanced progress in the field, enabling other researchers to make even greater discoveries. They were not the only significant contributors; there were many, too numerous to recount. Although their contributions were crucial, other researchers accomplished more. Among their peers, however, these four pioneers stand out because at a critical nexus their vision and perseverance carried researchers forward to a new level of excellence. We all follow in their footsteps.