Medicine: A Bum Rap for Dr. Steptoe

Chicago group withdraws his award for test-tube baby

Gynecologist Patrick Steptoe and Physiologist Robert Edwards have basked in acclaim and glory since the July birth of Louise Brown, the world's first test-tube baby. But last week a shadow was cast over the Britons' triumph. Chicago's Barren Foundation, set up to promote fertility research, abruptly canceled plans to honor Steptoe on Nov. 15 with its annual award. Reason: Steptoe and Edwards have not yet published a detailed report of their work in a medical journal. The decision caused confusion among doctors and the public, and prompted at least one newspaper, the New York...

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