Spina bifida is one of the most common and yet most severe of birth defects.  It affects the central nervous systems of between 300,000 and 400,000 babies around the world.  The most serious form of spina bifida occurs when the spinal cord protrudes through an opening in the spine.  Survivors often experience lifelong disabilities including paralysis, bladder and bowel problems, and excess fluid on the brain.  Traditionally, surgery to repair this condition is done after birth.  In recent decades, however, surgery to repair the opening has been done while the baby is in the womb. Now, a new study shows that some babies who undergo fetal surgery do better than those who do not.  VOA’s Melinda Smith has details of the study, published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.