[Present relation of obstetrics and gynecology between the USA and Germany].

After World War II there was a blooming association between German and American Obstetricians-Gynecologists. When young German scientists began Fellowships in the US, they found German Professors of all ranks teaching in the various medical schools. At present there is no connection between the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe (DGGG) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG.

[Incidence and etiology of brachial plexus upper arm paralysis in newborn infants. A review and basic principles for legal assessment].

Objective: Brachial plexus injury (BPI) is a rare complication of pregnancy which is out of proportion involved in medical litigation. The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between shoulder dystocia (SD) and BPI and the frequency of BPI without explanation.

Method: The pertinent literature was reviewed.

[The future of the German language in science].

The German language served the scientific community for decades during the 20th century. The shift to the English language was considered by some as a loss of cultural identity. A view difficult to support, since not only Germany but also countries like Switzerland and Austria are part of the cultural heritage.

The beginning of human life.

The beginning of human life is seen differently by different individuals, groups, cultures, and religions. Embryonic and fetal life are a continuum, within which are time sequences and points--birth of a newborn, viability, neuromaturation, implantation, and conception--that may be declared as the beginning of human life. For each of these there are ethical and legal implications and considerations.