SUBJECT: MISSING EMBRYO/FETUS SYNDROME: A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS FILE: UFO2554 This file is provided by UFO Magazine. All rights are reserved. You may distribute this file freely as long as this header remains intact. Date prepared: 08/19/93 Contributed by: Don Ecker/ UFO Magazine ================================================================= The following text is a story that appeared in *UFO Magazine. It was written and contributed by Dr. Richard Neal OB./GYN Dr. Neal has been following and investigating the abduction/missing fetus syndrome. __________________________________________________________________ MISSING EMBRYO/FETUS SYNDROME: A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS Introduction: Over the past several years there have been many female abductees who are complaining of alleged missing pregnancy. They are relating this to an humanoid-alien intervention. The "abduction scenario" is a bizarre aspect of the UFO phenomena;it becomes even more bizarre when we check and see that there is no existing data available to researchers on these occurrences. Are we on the verge of breaking new ground with this segment of the UFO phenomenon and/or is this so deeply embedded into the some women's subconscious that we have yet developed a technique to extrapolate this information for further collaboration? Many researchers have claimed that they have several cases of Missing Embryo/Fetus Syndrome (ME/FS) in their files. Yet during my research over the past three years into this particular phenomena, all have failed to produce even one verified case. The question is why? Are these female abductees really undergoing a missing pregnancy, allegedly perpetrated by alien beings, or is this a problem that could be explained as a complication of pregnancy in the field of Obstetrics. Is it possible that we are looking at a form of hysteria associated with the abduction syndrome that leads to amenorrhea (temporary cessation of menstrual cycle) secondary to a post-traumatic experience. Perhaps this is a new psychological manifestation of a post-traumatic experience with interwoven aspects of the Old Hag Theory. I have researched the literature to see if any similar cases were documented in the past. I will also present certain medical information that could lead to criteria review guidelines which are essential in the documentation of a potential ME/FS. This article will attempt to explain why varification of none of these cases are forthcoming and point out the constant frustration in seeking specific information from females abductees in order to substantiate their claims. Definition of Missing Embryo/Fetus Syndrome Particular female abductees allege that a pregnancy usually between 6 weeks to 12 weeks (1 1/2 - 3 months) is missing due to purported alien intervention. Although the distinction between embryo and fetus is essentially arbitrary, it is customary to refer to the human conceptus, from fertilization through the first 8 weeks of development, as an embryo, and from 8 weeks after ovulation until term, as a fetus. Typical Scenario Female abductee experiences a nocturnal visitation in which she is taken from her bedroom to a waiting craft-type object, either landed or hovering slightly above the ground or some surroundings not familiar to her. These individuals are taken into what appears to be some type of examination room in which they are placed on a table. Abductees report they are usually administered some form of anesthesia either through the touching of an instrument to the head, alien hands applied to the temporal area,telepathically told to relax and that it would not hurt or given some form of liquid for oral intake obstensibly to alleviate apprehension. Most report some type of quasi-gynecological exam;however, they are unsure if any instruments are being placed into the vagina. A long needle inserted into the umbilical area is widely reported by these individuals. Its purpose is unknown, but speculation could point to a mini-laparoscopy in which there may be extraction of ova from the ovary or a procedure known as G I F T (Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer) which in the field of obstetrics and reproductive medicine treats infertility by placing sperm and oocytes directly into the infertile woman's fallopian tubes for in vivo fertilization. Past History Literature/Correspondence Early literature does not point to any similarity of ME/FS;however, the Old Hag Theory has experienced some form of sexual activity, but mostly it resembles the well-known nocturnal visitation. The Old Hag Theory or the experience of being hagged as found in Newfoundland tradition has been summarized as follows: 1) Awakening (or an experience immediately preceding sleep). 2) Hearing and/or seeing something come into the room and approach the bed. 3) Being pressed on the chest or strangled. 4) Inability to move or cry out until either being brought out of the state by someone else or breaking through the feeling of paralysis on one's own. There have been some sexual connotations from this, but it is very rare and debatable between some of the top experts in the field. In his book "The Terror that Comes in the Night," David J. Hufford reveals that through his research, and I quote, "The presence of overt sexual content as a frequent feature of the nightmare probably is also highly debatable. I have encountered a few explicit sexual details in Old Hag accounts, but these are rare and are not typically major components of a given experience. Some overtly sexual accounts have appeared in the course of my investigation, but these differed from the Old Hag in that they have lacked the paralysis feature and, in several cases, fear. These probably constitute either a distinct subtype of the experience or a different phenomenon altogether." John Keel's 1970 book, Strange Creatures from Space and Time,included a chapter entitled, "The Bedroom Invaders," writes, and I quote, " In the past three years we have published two popular magazine articles on these bedroom invaders, and we were amazed by the amount of mail thoses pieces drew. Many readers wrote to tell us, sometimes in absorbing detail, of their own experiences with this uncanny phenomenon. In most cases these experiences were not repetitive. They happened only once and were not accompanied by any other manifestations. In several cases the witnesses experienced total paralysis of the body. The witness awoke but was unable to move a muscle while the apparition was present." In corresponding with Dr. Eddie Bullard, and I quote, "Regarding the "Missing Embryo/Fetus Syndrome," I'm afraid that I have little to say. This element did not appear in any of the abduction stories I studied. A preoccupation with reproduction is a common theme from the earliest abductions onward, and a few stories describe rape,sexual activity, and events that might be described as artificial insemination or tampering with a pregnancy already underway, but I noticed nothing in the literature (up to 1986 or there abouts) comparable to the missing embryo motif. [underlined by author]" Bullard had related that he could not say anything with certainty and feels this phenomenon in question must await further evidence. Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle, who could be credited for doing hypnotic regression sessions in well over 300 individuals and is considered one of the early pioneers in research of the abduction phenomena,made several interesting statements, and I quote, "In the 70's, I talked with perhaps a dozen women who describe unusual menstrual discharge and/or changes in cycles. However, I have no medical information." Also he mentions, "In a few instances, women wrote to me about strange "dreams" of sexual activity with aliens, then describing pregnancies that resulted in birth of babies with "big eyes" and great psychic abilities." Where are the photographs of these kids or evidence that they have psychic components? I was given the name of a physician to write to who has allegedly worked with women who gave birth to "Space Kids." It has been well over six months since I corresponded with this individual; needless to say I am extremely skeptical of such claims and the authenticity of his research. Finally Dr. Sprinkle mentions, "However, I have not yet worked with a woman who claims an interrupted pregnancy and an awareness of the child. [underlined by author]". The first case of ME/FS appears in Budd Hopkins book, Intruders: The Incredible Visitation at Copley Woods involve witness Debbie Tomey (aka "Kathie Davis"). Debbie is quite convinced that her abduction experience occured as she describes it. I have met and corresponded with Debbie on numerous occasions and feel that she is a very sincere and down to earth type individual and would have no reason to fabricate such a story. I have personally researched three cases in Southern California; however, each one can be explained as a complication from pregnancy not associated with any alien intervention. When questioning the female abductee one of the first questions asked is, "If you were indeed pregnant, was this from your male companion (husband or male partner)?" If not, the next question is, "Why do they think it may be related to an alien impregnation?" What really bothers me about this alien impregnation is this: How does the female abductee think she became pregnant? Was it with direct sexual activity with an alien being or unknown to her? Alleged Pathology reports of the alien beings showed no evidence of external genitalia. Len Stringfield, in his paper, The UFO Crash/Retrieval Syndrome - Status Report II, describes the body of an alien being (grey alien) as given to him by an anonymous individual that had first hand knowledge of this. I quote, "No apparent reproductive organs. Perhaps atrophied by evolution degeneration. No genitalia. In my non-professional judgement, the absence of sexual organs suggest that some of the aliens, and perhaps all, do not produce as do the homo sapiens, or that some of the bodies studied are produced perhaps by a system of cloning or other unknown means." Certainly the so called "greys" are not the culprits, particularly if you are relating this to direct sexual activity. If there is indeed alien spermatozoa, where does it come from? If we are taking into consideration that some form of sexual activity,genetic manipulation and/or reproductive research is being conducted, could it be that another alien species working with the greys are responsible or guardians of this reproductive research studies on female abductees. Using your own creative imagination you can develop your own hypothetical scenario as to how the victim/abductee relates to this "immaculate conception" from alien intervention. Rape/Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome to Female Victims/Abductees Although this aspect has not been brought up with female victims/abductees, I feel it is an issue that needs to be address-ed in regards to sexual activity and ME/FS. We have to face facts or speculate as to whether a sexual molestation or rape has occurred. All of this intervention has allegedly happened without the consent of the female, and she experiences fear, pain, humilation and is powerless to protect herself. In this country only two out of every ten victims of sexual assault report this incident to the proper authorities. In setting up a hypothetical situation involving female victims/abductees we could consider the following: Who will the victims/abductees report their sexual assault to? It is difficult in itself for females to report this experience period. When there is the potential of an extraterrestial or unknown factor brought into play, the magnitude of this even becomes greater. Obtaining a history of the event is necessary, but asking questions may be interpreted as a further invasion of the victim's privacy. Some victims may welcome the opportunity to ventilate their feelings and may express relief at having someone willing to listen, while others may resist answering questions. Pressuring them to talk may add to their trauma. Both responses are normal and should be respected. The latter group could be associated with the female abductees who chose not to reveal this deep dark secret. Perhaps some of these females may have a suppressed sexual child abuse history that has not been explored. Let us assume for this article that the victim/abductee has been raped by an alien or non-humanoid being. Burgess and Holmstrom have labeled the victim's reaction to rape the Rape Trauma Syndrome. They describe the following two stages: (1) the acute phase (disorganization); and (2) the long term process (reorgan-ization). The acute phase lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Initially, in the immediate impact reaction of the acute phase, the victim may display and feel a wide range of emotions, including shock and disbelief. Victims may either react in an expressed style, demonstrating anger, fear and anxiety, or in a controlled style, masking their feelings and appearing composed or subdued. A victim's outward behavior may not reflect the degree or nature of the emotional crisis she is experiencing. Many rape victims may suffer from a post-traumatic stress disorder. This is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM - III) as the development of characteristics symptoms after experiencing of a psychologically traumatic event or events outside the range of human experience usually considered to be normal. The characteristic symptoms involve reexperiencing the traumatic event, numbing of responsiveness to, or involvement with, the external world, and a variety of other autonomic dysphoric, or cognitive symptoms. The diagnostic criteria for this disorder is listed under Table I. Table I. -Diagnostic Criteria for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Existence of a recognizable stressor that would evoke significant symptoms of distress in almost everyone. Reexperiencing of the trauma as evidenced by at least one of the following: Recurrent and intrusive recollections of the event. Recurrent dreams of the event. Sudden acting or feeling as if the traumatic event were recurring, becuase of an association with an environmental or ideational stimulus. Numbing of responsiveness to, or reduced involvement with, the external world, beginning some time after the trauma, as shown by at least one of the following: Markedly diminished interest in one or more significant activities. Feeling of detachment or estrangement from others: Constricted affect. At least two of the following symptoms that were not present before the trauma: Hyperalertness or exaggerated startle response. Sleep disturbances. Guilt about surviving when others have not, or about behavior required for survival. Memory impairment or trouble concentrating. Avoidance of activities that arouse recollection of the traumatic event. Intensification of symptoms by exposure to events that symbolize or resemble the traumatic event. The rape victim is particularly vulnerable to manifesting this disorder because of the following characteristics of the rape: (1) it is sudden, and the victim is unable to develop adequate defenses; (2) it involves intentional cruelty as inhumanity; (3) it makes the victim feel trapped and unable to fight back; and (4) it often involves physical injury. Female victims/abductees will ignore discussing the sexual encounters with reserchers possibly because of rejection, embarrassment, fear and guilt. They will, however, share their experience with other abductees or writer-researchers in the UFO community that have had National Exposure and could perhaps understand their plight. --End of File-- ********************************************** * THE U.F.O. BBS - http://www.ufobbs.com/ufo * **********************************************