Health insurance is the single most important influence in determining whether health care is accessible to children when they need it, according to the Institute of Medicine.
“Life in America is wonderful for most people, but nine million children still lack health insurance and thus don't receive the care they should,” said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. “America has come very far in providing for its youngest citizens, but to be truly a great nation we must ensure that all babies have a healthy start in life.”
In addition, an American newborn has:
• A 1-in-5 chance of being born to a mother who lacks health insurance. Women who have insurance are more likely to receive prenatal care and are more likely to have access to screening and diagnostic tests that can help to identify problems early and improve their own and their baby's health.
• A 1-in-8 chance of being born prematurely, before 37 weeks gestation. Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death and babies who survive may face lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy and mental retardation, chronic lung disease, and vision and hearing loss, as well as other developmental problems.
• Only a 1-in-9 chance of living in a state that offers screening for the 29 disorders, including metabolic conditions and hearing deficiency, recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the March of Dimes. If diagnosed early, these conditions can be successfully managed or treated to prevent severe consequences.
• A 1-in-146 chance of dying before his or her first birthday. America's infant mortality rate has declined in recent decades, but nearly 28,000 babies still die annually.
The March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For more information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org for Spanish.
