The prevention of birth handicaps

Abstract

The author, who is one of the two guest editors of this Special Issue, sets the stage for the 11 papers published here. These papers are based on the lectures given at the Foresight symposium held in London on March 21–22, 1980. The papers are concerned with physical environmental factors that may damage the fetus, or even its sperm and ovum precursors before conception. An example is given of the role of environmental factors on Spina Bifida and Anencephaly. Some remedies are then noted. The author maintains that many birth abnormalities have identifiable causes which can either be avoided or remedied.