The problem is worst in the settlement of Novy Marek and its surrounds. Within the last two months, six Romany women have complained to their doctors, and appeared at hospitals, demanding to know why they are no longer conceiving. Romany women traditionally have up to six or more children. “At first we thought that this was just coincidence,” said local health official, Dr Veronika Husakova. “But non-Roma report normal levels of fertility. It is very mysterious, as when we examine the Romany women they have no gynaecological abnormalities.” Alex searched for the print out of the Slovak news agency report on his desk but it had disappeared into the pile of Monday’s newspapers. The story was trickling out and they needed to move quickly. Natasha had already sent him her briefing about Novy Marek, cc-d to the editor, Ronald Worthington, and the news of her interview with Sanzlermann. Quite a scoop, but fifteen minutes meant four or five questions at the most. Alex had agreed with Natasha’s suggestions that she focus on the Roma and xenophobia.
