Abstract
In an article in this issue of the Journal, 1 David and Collins examine the relation of race to birth weight among blacks and whites. Their laudable but difficult undertaking is welcome. Clearly, the human and economic toll exacted by poor pregnancy outcome is enormous, and answers are needed. The authors note, and I concur, that their findings do not support the theory that racial differences in birth weight — the lower mean birth weight of black as compared with white infants — in the United States have a genetic cause. The clinical implications and the difficulties inherent in resolving this . . .