Abstract
The paper reveals that catastrophic birth defects are found in 3 out of every 100 live births in the United States and are caused by either genetic or environmental problems. The paper goes on to relate how the costs of birth defects are tremendous; hospital care alone comes to $2.6 billion a year and individual costs are much higher. The paper discusses prevention that includes early screening, proper diet, nutrition, avoidance of pollutants, etc.

From the Paper
"Catastrophic birth defects are more common than people realize. Some, but not all are preventable. They have a major impact on families and on society in general. According to the United States Center for Disease Control: Birth defects are conditions that 1) result from a malformation, deformation, or disruption in one or more parts of the body; 2) are present at birth; and 3) have a serious, adverse effect on health, development, or functional ability. ("Hospital Stays...")"

Tags:birth defects, genetics, environmental

Abstract
This paper explains that, for several decades, the medical community has alerted the public to the incidence of birth defects that are directly related to radiation, underscoring the long-term impact that exposure to radiation has on the body and on future offspring. The author points out that exposure before conception carries a risk of specific birth defects including mental retardation and childhood cancers. The paper stresses that to avoid these risks in the future it is important to re-evaluate the location of nuclear reactor sites as well as the frequency of x-rays.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
The Basics
Conclusion

From the Paper
"A defect occurs when there are changes in the DNA. Changes can occur spontaneously or can be caused by an external factor. One of the external factors that have been strongly linked with changes in the elements of DNA is exposure to radiation. Changes that are caused or directly linked to the exposure to radiation are referred to as mutations.
When these changes result from radiation exposure they are called radiation-induced mutations."

Tags:germline, somatic, dna, reactor, x-rays

Abstract
A paper which analyzes two stories, "The Birth Mark" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, about a dedicated scientist who marries a beautiful woman who has a physical defect, and his fanatical desire to remove this flaw, and "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner, a story sometimes regarded as symbolic of the changes in the South during the representative period.

From the Paper
"Thus, throughout the story, the author has painted verbally the portraits of a tragic woman, Emily, which through his images; one observes her transformation from a virginal victim to a manly murderess to a corpulent dead body. Faulkner, however, also expose the interior density through external appearance, using both imagery and structure by putting together along with dispersed image and information throughout the story to amalgamate and interpret the diverse shades of Emily's character.

Furthermore, at the end of the story, the author contrasts the pictorialization of a kind Emily resting peacefully on her funeral with a plain image of love and loss, a strand of iron-gray hair resting on the yellowed pillow of an weak and powerless bridal bed. This haunting image is the final pen stroke murmuring the tribute of her tired and worn out."

Tags:Aylmer, Georgiana, Colonel, Sartoris, Homer, Barron

Abstract
Scientific discussion of external factors that might affect pregnancy and foster congenital birth defects in newborns. Prenatal development. Effect of pharmaceuticals, legal chemical substances, alcohol, narcotics & tobacco use by women on pregnancy. Effect of absence of essential nutrients such as Zinc. Cites several other causes of congenital birth defects. Variables. Problem of serious diseases of pregnant women & necessary drugs.

From the Paper
"This research examines the phenomenon of teratogens, or factors external to the physical experience of pregnancy, during the period of gestation, which may affect pregnancy outcomes by fostering congenital birth defects in newborns. The research will set forth the clinical context in which teratogenic agents achieve relevance for the course of pregnancy in the modern period, and then discuss the impact that concern about teratogens may have on efficient and prudent pregnancy management.


On the face of things, the generally accepted definition of a teratogen would appear to be straightforwardly informative. Mosby's initially defines a teratogen as "any substance, agent, or process that interferes with normal prenatal development, causing the formation of one or more developmental abnormalities in the fetus" (Teratogen, 1998, p. 89). However, amplification of the..."

Abstract
Dioxins and other chemical components have been located in foods that people consume everyday. Too much dioxin can be fatal and/or pose serious threats to newborn children in terms of birth defects. What has been done to diminish this chemical toxin in foods? Government officials have developed policies in an effort to control contamination in terms of pesticides, feeds for livestock and water treatments. If preventions are not implemented more readily, these chemical toxins will pose significant elevations in diseases in humans and animals through contamination.

Tags:dioxin, chemical, threat

Abstract
This paper explains that Kass is very much opposed to the notion of interfering with nature, as well as producing a separate standard of existence for children who are born with defects. The author points out that Kass believes that, by terminating a pregnancy just because the child has a birth defect, is like saying that all society is only good if everyone is perfect and "normal" and suggests that individuals who are disabled are somehow less than acceptable and worthy. The paper stresses the importance of examining each case on a unique and personal basis before offering generalizations about what is good and what is right.

From the Paper
"The government does not have the right to determine whether it is ok or not for someone to give birth to a child with defects, who might face a life of nothing but suffering. If your choice is to raise that child from cradle to grave, that is a decision that you can make for yourself. Regardless of whether the child is biologically or physically deficient, one takes risks when they endeavor to reproduce and have children."

Tags:generalizations, standard, termination, pregnancy, disability

Abstract
Loss of pregnancy before 23 weeks happens in 10 - 20 % of pregnancies. It is associated with chromosomal defects in about one half to one third of the cases. Many interventions are used, but bed rest is the most common. The objective of this review is to evaluate the effect of prescription of bed rest during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage in women at high risk. The paper concludes that although bed rest is widely used to reduce the risk for preterm birth, there is no evidence that this practice is beneficial. Further research evidence is needed to support or refute the efficacy of bed rest in women with high risk for miscarriage.

From the Paper
"Currently there is not enough evidence to support the use of bed rest in multiple fetus pregnancies. Although there is a suggestion that fetal growth is improved, no other risk reduction is evident. For uncomplicated twin pregnancies, the risk is actually increased if bed rest is used. Further research evidence is necessary to be able to recommend this clinical practice."

Tags:hospital, EBP, preemie

Abstract
The debate over the causation of congenital anomalies is discussed in this paper, as well as various preventative measures that have been implemented over time to help reduce the neonatal death rate. Medical practices and scientific approaches towards human birth deformities are well explored and cited throughout the paper.

Abstract
The paper begins with an overview of the condition and causes of cleft lip and palate. It then examines treatment options available and presents other alternatives. The writer then discusses the specific language acquisition problems related to clefts and concludes by accessing the effectiveness of various treatments and surgery.

From the Paper
"Cleft lips and cleft palates are among the most common of birth defects and if left untreated can lead to serious speech problems as well as psychological damage that can result both from those speech and communication problems as well as from the ostracism that a child with a facial deformity may face. However, while the consequences of cleft lips and palates can be severe and long-lasting, these can be averted by medical intervention, especially if it is done as early as possible. This paper explores the various options for surgical and medical management of cleft lips and palates and the ways in which these interventions can help children with these particular birth defects."

Tags:surgery, medical, mouth, birth, defect, language, treatment

Abstract
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) occurs when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, an act that sends her baby a toxin that has been proven to hinder the growth of the baby's brain, cause birth defects, and rob the child of the chance to learn (Abkarian 1992; Kodituwakku, Handmaker, Cutler, Weathersby, & Handmaker,1995; Streissguth, 1983).

From the Paper
"Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Crime
Introduction
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) occurs when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, an act that sends her baby a toxin that has been proven to hinder the growth of the baby's brain, cause birth defects, and rob the child of the chance to learn (Abkarian 1992; Kodituwakku, Handmaker, Cutler, Weathersby, & Handmaker,1995; Streissguth, 1983). The results are slowly being discovered but the following results have been suggested.


FAS can cause physical deformity, (Sandor, Smith, McLeod, Tredwell, Wood & Newman, 1981; Olson, Sampson, Barr, Streissguth, & Bookstein, 1992), hyperactivity, (Nanson, Bolaria, Snyder, Morse & Weiner, 1995), and a wide range of antisocial behavior that is still being investigated (Farrington, 1995).


Until the..."