STUDY CHALLENGES THE 'CRACK BABY' MYTH

Chicago (AP) - The "crack baby" phenomenon is overblown, according to a
study that suggests poverty and the use of cigarettes, alcohol and other
drugs while pregnant are just as likely as cocaine to cause developmental
problems in children.

Blaming such problems on prenatal cocaine use alone has unfairly
stigmatized children, creating an unfounded fear in teachers that "crack
kids" will be backward and disruptive, according to the study, an analysis
of 36 previous studies.

"I'm not trying to be Pollyanna-ish and say there are not problems" with
cocaine use by pregnant women, said Dr. Deborah A. Frank. "I'm saying
there are many more serious risks to children's development."