The Importance of Anti-D in Rhesus Disease

Rhesus disease happens when a mother is rhesus negative and her baby is positive. When this happens, the mother's body may reject or attack the baby. In Australia until about 1967, there were thousands of babies dying each year. Doctors did not know why but discovered an antibody to fight it. It can only be made from donors like James Harrison who have anti-D in their blood. Millions of women need these injections - they are called 'anti-D'