Washington has been experiences a severe spike in birth defects of new born babies. The incredibly rare disease, anencephaly: a tragic birth defect in which infants are missing parts of their brain or skulls, has been found in .00084% of infants in the area. While this may seem like a slight impact, its significance lies in the fact that this number is four times the national average and has been steadily rising in recent years. The first to notice the epidemic was an experienced nurse, Sara Barron, who saw an increase in the cases of the abnormal disease in her rural hospital. She began questioning friends in other areas at other hospitals who confirmed her suspicions of a rate increase. She brought the issue to the State Department of Health by filing a official report, but is less than satisfied with their instigation thus far. The state has yet to question mothers affected by the tragedy, claiming it is a sensitive issue and they wish to avoid offending or forcing bad memories to resurface. Additionally, researchers say they can gain all the information they need from medical records. The mothers, however, have said they are willing to cooperate in any way possible to prevent another family from experiencing their unfortunate fate. Furthermore, outside sources have said the current means of research is by no means thorough, as medical records only reveal past illness, medications and address, but reveal little about daily habits of the mothers. Many, including nurse Barron, are becoming increasingly upset ad demanding concrete results and a serious investigation.
I find this so sad. The circumstances warrant a thorough analysis and research to determine the cause of the increase in birth defects. I don't understand why the state department isn't taking this more seriously, despite the vital need for answers and the growing demand of the public. Considering the defects have largely been found in rural, farming communities, it is incredibly plausible the spike could be accredited to a certain pesticide or chemical in the crops. However, without the proper research all of this is just speculation and there are no certain answers. State authorities claim mothers shouldn't fear, but others feel this is a growing epidemic and mothers need to be extremely cautious of their surroundings and dietary habits.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/01/health/cohen-birth-defects/index.html?hpt=us_c2
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