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A new approach is suggested for assessing the relationship between birth order and pregnancy risk. Population data are used to estimate the risk of a poor pregnancy outcome after different reproductive histories. The risk of a poor outcome at the first pregnancy appears to be twice that at subsequent pregnancies, but no change in risk is observed between the second and fifth birth orders. If there has been a previous poor pregnancy outcome, the risk of another is increased four-fold. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Examines the influence of feminism on the development of contemporary Judaism. Assessment on the physiological differences between men and women in the Jewish community; Impact of Halakhic constraints on the practices of women; Details of the shalom paths associated to the role of women.

The author expresses his opinion that the president of the World Medical Association needs to take a clear stand on issues regarding human rights and health care during conflict. He explains that the Israeli Medical Association has not responded to a report of cases involving the torture of Palestinians with the involvement of medical personnel. He believes that health care is a fundamental human right and that the medical profession should adhere to universal humanitarian codes.

The article reports on the discrepancy observed in life expectancy between the Arabs and Jews in Israel. The lack of focus on the factors which contribute to the major differences in socio economic status between them and differences in risk of the non-communicable diseases and the steps taken by the government to address them are discussed.

The article presents insights on a complaint written by professor Mark Pepys and signed by physicians and scientists arguing that the journal "Lancet" was being used for political purposes and for publication of false material that deepens polarization between Israelis and Palestinians. Topics covered include the publication of an open letter for the people in Gaza, the appropriateness of medical journals discussing political issues and the attempt to stifle coverage of the conflict in Gaza.

The author addresses the petition by 725 doctors from 43 countries in October 2009 for Yoram Blachar, former chair of the Israeli Medical Association (IMA), to resign from his post as president of the World Medical Association (WMA). To support their petition, the group compiled cases, dating back to 1996, alleging Israeli doctors of complicity in torture, and where the IMA had failed either to respond or investigate the allegations. He says that the petition raises the issue of whether security risks in Israel can be allowed to mask human rights.

Analysis of 14 219 births in West Jerusalem showed that infants of North African origin had a higher birthweight than infants of other ethnic groups. The group of mothers of North African origin included a relatively high proportion from the lowest social classes. The observed excess birthweight was apparent after allowing for the effects of gestation, maternal body size, baby's sex, parity and smoking. Maternal age and season of birth also had a significant effect on birthweight. Birthweight was higher if the mother had immigrated to Israel after the age of 10 years than if she had immigrated at a younger age, or had been born in Israel.