Rapid changes in medical research, physical therapy, and disabilities advocacy seem to have created an entirely new world for individuals with abnormalities.  Advances in fetal and infant surgery, treatment, and medication have completely treated and cured many otherwise life-threatening situations.45  A child with a cleft lip previously starved to death; now, the defect can be repaired in a simple operation.  Many tetragons, or defect-causing elements, have now been identified.  Genetic counseling has become a popular option for many couples and allows them to understand the risk that they may have a child with a serious abnormality.46 Research has shown that high doses of folic acid can help to prevent certain abnormalities of the spinal cord. The U.S. government requires food manufacturers to add safe doses of the mineral to many foods. This has led to a general decrease in spinal cord-related abnormalities.47