A recent Harris Poll revealed some disturbing aspects of the current state of health care provision for women and children. The poll dealt with issues as diverse as clincial examinations and communication between women and their doctors. Such issues, long ignored or under-appreciated by medical researchers, clinicians, and public policy makers, are increasingly receiving attention, not only from public health experts, but also from politicians, pressure groups, and the media.

Reproductive Health Care for Women and Babies addresses all the medical and societal aspects of health care that go to form public health policy for women. The editors have assembled an international team of contributors who provide the reader with a truly global picture of the issues involved. These features combine to provide a much better understanding of the health care needs of women. Doctors will be able to take a broader view of their role, beyond the traditional one of diagnosis and treatment, and allow to communicate more effectively their individual and collective views. Such a reorientation is essential if physicians are to assume their proper role at the centre of the formation of public health policy. For anybody involved in providing health care for women and children this book is essential reading.