perspective -“First of all, the criticism is warranted because an ultrasound is part of routine care.”
Yes it is, because at that time you can’t abort the fetus.
“Most spina bifida cases are diagnosed through that manner. Why are they suggesting that an AFP test be done as the first approach?”
Because you can still abort the fetus acc. to some Poskim at that time. Read C. Hall’s post. Your Shitta in abortion doesn’t give you the right to criticize others that hold differently.
“Furthermore, surgery in utero is becoming increasingly more popular in this field and in many other areas as well. Insurance companies are beginning to approve it more frequently as well,”
Well this possibilty exists for next year, but the more likely occurance is that the insurance companies will follow Obamacare and the liklihood of this being covered routinely is very slight. If you would have posted your post as an alternative option to the OP -then that would have been fine, but Not as a criticism!