Watch the ABC TV’s  7.30 two-part report on the issue:

Babies Born with Rare Condition

Cluster Fears Remain in Northern Rivers District

The NSW Northern Rivers may be a hot-spot for an horrific and rare birth defect which has babies born with their intestinal contents freely protruding through the abdominal wall…

Bangalow-based National Toxics Network co-ordinator Jo Immig said there were several studies which had found a link between the incidence of gastroschisis and pesticides and it warranted further investigations. “Health authorities have a duty of care to investigate any regional cluster of the birth defect gastroschisis, as well as its causes,” Ms Immig said.

Follow the story:

Rivers hot-spot for birth defect (19 Feb 2011 Northern Star)

Fourth Case of Rare Birth Defect (21 Feb 2011 Northern Star)

Goonellabah baby fifth with defect (19 March 2011 Northern Star)

Birth defects investigated (26 March 2011 Northern Star)

North coast babies linked to birth defect ‘cluster’ (31 March 2011 SMH)

Probe into possible birth defect cluster (31 March 2011 ABC)

Birth defect cluster sparks investigation (14 May 2011 ABC)

NSW health denies birth defect cluster (14 May 2011 ABC)

Rare birth defect findings rejected (17 May 2011 Northern Star)