Title: Overcoming Infertility: A Guide for Jewish Couples
Author: Richard V. Grazi, M.D.
Publisher: The Toby Press, New Milford, CT
Author: Richard V. Grazi, M.D.
Publisher: The Toby Press, New Milford, CT
Many of the readers of The Jewish Press are already familiar with the author of the chapters in this new book. As the editor of what is actually an anthology, he has included chapters by others who are also renowned experts in their respective fields.
At a time when texts issued from medical publishers often run from a high two figures to mid three figures ($80-300), this new 500 plus page book is only $30 (list price) and is one of the closest things to an encyclopedia on the latest information about fertility treatment for Jewish couples having difficulty conceiving.
Dr. Grazi has included sections on the history and background of fertility treatments, the diagnostic methods available for evaluation, methods of therapeutic intervention, ethical issues and a final resource section. Halachic viewpoints predominate, and included are chapters by prominent rabbis and Jewish educators on issues within their purview.
As the medical director of The Genesis Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Clinic, an affiliate of Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Grazi has had the opportunity to evaluate and assist many thousands of patients in achieving successful pregnancies. He incorporates the information gleaned from these many cases as well as his years of study and medical training into a book that is as complete as any current medical text – but still eminently readable for the layman.
Any book explaining medical conditions must invariably use medical terminology, and Dr. Grazi has conveniently included a glossary that fully explains the references as well a list of acronyms in current use. There is also a glossary of halachic terminology. The publishers have also included an exemplary index, enabling careful study, subject by subject, to make this into a well-used reference manual. There is an extensive number of beautifully rendered medical illustrations by Dr. Grazi’s son, Joseph, as well as excellent charts and tables. Most of the chapters are presented complete with footnotes and references for further study and research.
Of course, all recent and current technologies are referenced and explained, including PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis), which is especially important in the Jewish community, where there is a significant interest in methods of avoidance of inheritable birth disorders.
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