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Prof. Barbara Luke and the 'Preemie' risk of Abortion

Prof. Barbara Luke and the 'Preemie' risk of

Brent Rooney (Nov. 2002)

Professor Barbara Luke in her classic book wrote, "If you have had one or more induced abortions, your risk of prematurity with this pregnancy increases by about 30 percent." (Every Pregnant Woman's Guide to Preventing Premature Birth, 1995, p 32). How well qualified is Luke to have written this 239 page book? Consider the following quotes from highly respected medical doctors:

1. "This compete and accurate book should have great appeal to the discriminating woman who is pregnant or planning preg- nancy, as a means of maximizing her chances for a success- ful pregnancy." -Roy M. Pitkin, M.D., editor, Obstetrics and Gynecology

2. "Every Pregnant Woman's Guide to Preventing Premature Birth is an important contemporary book that should be recommended for today's pregnant women, women considering pregnancy, and all those professionals who attend the health care of women." -George D. Wilbanks, Jr. M.D., president, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

3. "Based upon scientific data which have been shown to be associated with a reduction in preterm births and very user-friendly in its approach, this book is ideal for women with a history of preterm deliveries, and even for medical providers." -E. Albert Reece, M.D. professor OB/GYN and internal medicine, director, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine

4. "Based on her extensive clinical experience and her vast scientific knowledge, Dr. Luke presents practical infor- mation to women. As women increasingly recognize the im- portance of self-education and self-help, this book is timely. As one who has contributed to our understanding about the risk factors, prematurity and especially, work in pregnancy, Luke has an authoritative and clear voice." -Timothy R.B. Johnson, M.D., chairman, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Bates Professor of Diseases of Women and Children, University of Michigan Medical School

[the prior 4 quotes are from the back cover of Every Pregnant Woman's Guide to Preventing Premature Birth (1995) [preface by Emile Papiernik], New York: Times Books]

There is no more respected person in the field of prematurity risk factors than Dr. Emile Papiernik of France. Dr. Papiernik lead a French national program that reduced preterm birth rates by over 30%. Papiernik wrote the preface to Luke's 1995 book and stated:

"I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Luke's book [EPWG..] to every pregnant woman and her family as the "best medicine" to help ensure a healthy pregnancy."

Professor Barbara Luke's credentials and memberships

"Barbara Luke, Sc.D., M.P.H., R.D., R.N., received her nursing and public health degrees from Columbia University , her degree in nutrition from New York University, and her doctorate in science from John Hopkins University. Currently she is associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan Medical School. She is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Dietetic Association, the American Public Health Association, and the Society of Perinatal Obstetricians, Barbara Luke is the author of eight medical textbooks as well as research and review articles on obstetrics, nutrition, and public health. She lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan." (EPWG.., "About the Author", after page 239)