Birth Defects Linked to US Fallujah Fighting

Parents, docs complain of upsurge of problems since attack
Posted Mar 4, 2010 4:25 AM CST
Updated Mar 4, 2010 6:12 AM CST
Birth Defects Linked to US Fallujah Fighting
FILE - In this April 30, 2004, file photo, Iraqi soldiers from the newly-formed Fallujah Brigade enter Fallujah as US Marines, left, pull out of town in 2004.   (AP Photo/John Moore, File)

Iraqi parents and doctors are attributing an upsurge in birth defect problems in Fallujah to a major US military offensive there. Doctors report seeing as many as three cases of birth defects a day now. The US denies a problem exists. "No studies to date have indicated environmental issues resulting in specific health issues," said an American military spokesman.

No scientific studies have been undertaken in the area to examine the problem. But many locals are convinced that an upsurge in defects, particularly cardiac problems, in children born since the 2004 assault are somehow linked to sophisticated American weaponry, reports the BBC. (More Fallujah stories.)

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