I am Joong-Shin Park, the 16th President of the Korean Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine (KSMFM).

Today, our society faces a grave challenge: a severe decline in birthrates combined with a critical shortage of delivery infrastructure. Amidst these difficulties, I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude to each of you for your tireless dedication to the health of mothers and their unborn children.

Protecting Two Lives as One

While every field of medicine strives to save lives, maternal-fetal medicine is unique - it is a discipline dedicated to protecting two lives simultaneously. When problems arise in an unborn child, the consequences can become a lifelong burden starting from birth.

A fetus cannot speak for itself. It cannot express its own pain or discomfort. This is why we, as maternal-fetal medicine specialists, must remain ever vigilant and proactive, dedicating ourselves to safeguarding the health of those who cannot yet advocate for themselves. We take immense pride in being the guardians of two lives at once.

Addressing the Crisis of Our Time

The issue of declining birthrates goes far beyond a simple reduction in numbers. It has led to a rise in maternal age at delivery and a significant increase in the proportion of high-risk pregnancies, necessitating more specialized and intensive care for both pregnant women and their unborn children.

In high-risk pregnancies, the absence of prompt, specialized intervention can have life-threatening consequences for both mother and fetus. Unfortunately, the reality is that not all expectant mothers have access to this critical care, placing a heavy burden on families. Addressing this urgent gap is the paramount challenge that our field must confront.

Our Commitment to a Safer Future

In the face of these realities, the Korean Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine is determined to play a more vital role than ever before.

To ensure a safer environment for every birth, our Society will actively advocate for the expansion of specialized medical services for high-risk pregnancies, the strengthening of education and training for healthcare providers, and increased national support. We are committed to creating a better pregnancy and childbirth experience through research and evidence-based policy proposals that prioritize the safety and well-being of mothers and their unborn children.

I once again extend my heartfelt appreciation to all of our members who are dedicated to serving on the frontlines of clinical care. The Korean Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine will continue to serve as a robust platform for collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and professional development, building upon your expertise and dedication.

Thank you.