Bullet Babies: The repeating nature of the medical hoax

Introduction: Incredible tales of medical hoaxes associated with virgin births have been recounted through history. Some reports exist wartime gunshot testicular injuries that caused pregnancy in a second bullet victim. This paper sought to identify the sources and circumstances such how similar legends appear be perpetuated historical lore. Sources: Medical journals, contemporary newspaper accounts, archives secondary lay-press magazines periodicals. Results: The first known episode conceived via wound occurred American Civil War. A woman claimed become pregnant from being shot by had passed scrotum War soldier. In reality, tale fabricated doctor who wanted tease his colleagues over their boastful surgical triumphs. ‘bullet baby’ was reported 1999 during Bosnian conflict. two episodes, despite lack credulity, were press reputable authorities. Conclusions: History sometimes offers storyline may so fantastical even authorities either disregard its impossibility or unknowingly prolong life.