Study objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of RT-PCR on amniotic fluid in the prenatal diagnosis of congenital rubella infection. Materials and methods: RT-PCR on amniotic fluid was compared to the detection of specific IgM in fetal and/or newborn blood in 45 women who had a confirmed primary rubella infection during their pregnancy. Results: The specificity of RT-PCR was excellent (100%), and its sensitivity was comparable to that found for other maternal-fetal infections (83–95%). Conclusion: RT-PCR on amniotic fluid could be recommended for the prenatal diagnosis of congenital rubella infection.