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The value of women's reproductive role in society is often given the greatest weight in the debate over access to abortion. This article argues that by objectifying women as instruments of reproduction, restrictions on abortion are discriminatory and may constitute cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment by denying the fundamental relationship between dignity, equality and autonomy, which coalesce in the sphere reproductive choice. While the concept of human dignity can be elusive, an understanding of what qualifies as unjustifiable harm in this context can help to elucidate the intrinsic worth that recognition of dignity seeks to protect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the results of a study on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS as the most common cause of postneonatal mortality in the United Kingdom; Respiratory obstruction with subsequent hypoxia as immediate cause of SIDS; Examination of 48 infants who died of SIDS and 30 infants who died of other non-pulmonary causes.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article concerning the development of true latency or tolerance to gluten in adulthood by Tamara Matysiak-Budnik in the 2007 issue.

Abstract: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) still accounts for considerable numbers of unexpected infant deaths in many countries. While numerous theories have been advanced to explain these events, it is increasingly clear that this group of infant deaths results from the complex interaction of a variety of heritable and idiosyncratic endogenous factors interacting with exogenous factors. This has been elegantly summarised in the “three hit” or “triple risk” model. Contradictions and lack of consistencies in the literature have arisen from diverse autopsy approaches, variable applications of diagnostic criteria and inconsistent use of definitions. An approach to sudden infant death is outlined with discussion of appropriate tissue sampling, ancillary investigations and the use of controls in research projects. Standardisation of infant death investigations with the application of uniform definitions and protocols will ensure optimal investigation of individual cases and enable international comparisons of trends. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]