The Baby Doctors

In this engrossing, edifying account, New York Times science reporter Kolata reviews advances by daring pioneers in one of modern medicine's most delicate areas. Tests of blood and urine, amniocentesis and sonogram techniques, etc., help detect genetic and other fetal abnormalities, some of which can be corrected by medication or fetal surgery. Several cases of such surgery performed through the uterus, successfully and unsuccessfully, are described here in arresting detail. Even more controversial and posing agonizing decisions for parents is the practice of ``selective reduction,'' ie., abortion of certain fetuses, defective or not, in multiple pregnancies--in one case, the termination of eight to assure the survival of twins. First serial to Parenting. (Oct.)