Final answer:
The statement about the sensitization of Rh- women is false as research suggests that about 13-14 percent become sensitized, not 70 percent. Sensitization can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn in subsequent Rh+ pregnancies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that as little as 0.01mL of Rh+ blood will sensitize 70% of Rh- women is false. Research indicates that around 13-14 percent of Rh- individuals become sensitized after exposure to Rh+ red blood cells (RBCs), such as during pregnancy with an Rh+ fetus or blood transfusion. The risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), also known as erythroblastosis fetalis, is usually associated with a second or subsequent pregnancy in which an Rh- mother has an Rh+ baby. This occurs because the first exposure to Rh+ red blood cells typically sensitizes the mother's immune system to produce anti-Rh antibodies. These antibodies can cause agglutination and hemolysis of the fetus's RBCs if a subsequent Rh+ pregnancy occurs.