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Bonding and Screening: Myth and Reality

McCall's article in this issue raises questions about two recent developments in pediatrics—the effectiveness of bonding and screening for development. These are emotional issues with partisans on both sides. I have been asked to respond to McCall's comments as a "neutral observer."

The thrust of McCall's arguments is that the long-term importance of both early mother-infant contact and detecting and treating early developmental lags has been overrated and this has created some iatrogenic problems. He points out that many children with early developmental lags turn out to be normal and that many mothers who do not undergo early and extended contact with their infant at birth still manage to develop a warm and loving relationship with their child.