watch One-Minute World News

News Front Page
Africa
Americas
Asia-Pacific
Europe
Middle East
South Asia
UK
Business
Health
Science & Environment
Technology
Entertainment
Also in the news
-----------------
Video and Audio
-----------------
Programmes
Have Your Say
In Pictures
Country Profiles
Special Reports

Related BBC sites

Languages
Page last updated at 09:31 GMT, Thursday, 4 March 2010

Fallujah doctors report growth in birth defects

Advertisement

Doctors in the Iraqi city of Fallujah are reporting a high level of birth defects, with some blaming weapons used by the US after the Iraq invasion.

The city witnessed fierce fighting in 2004 as US forces carried out a major offensive against insurgents.

Now, the level of heart defects among newborn babies is said to be 13 times higher than in Europe.

BBC World Affairs Editor John Simpson visited a new, US-funded hospital in Fallujah where paediatrician Samira al-Anithat told him that she was seeing as many as two or three cases a day, mainly cardiac defects.

READ MORE: Fallujah 'sees more birth defects'

SEE ALSO

Story Tools

Editor's Choice

BBC News Website Improvements to the BBC News Website
Skip to top

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific