March of Dimes to Congress: "This Mother's Day Help States Give More Pregnant Women Access to Health" Washington, DC May 3, 2002—This Mother’s Day the March of Dimes calls on Congress to give states the green light to extend health coverage to uninsured pregnant women.
As March of Dimes research shows some pregnant women continue to go without insurance for critical prenatal care during their pregnancies. Prenatal care improves the likelihood that a child will be born healthy, a gift that every mother and father wants. For example, babies born to mothers who receive late or no prenatal care are twice as likely to be born low birthweight as infants born to mothers who receive prenatal care during the first trimester.
If enacted, several bills currently pending in Congress would ensure that 99 percent of all pregnant women in the United States have access to health insurance coverage. This legislation has broad bipartisan support including the endorsement of the Bush administration. “This year Congress has the opportunity to give an important and very precious Mother’s Day gift,” said Dr. Jennifer L Howse, president of the March of Dimes.
If approved, the bills would give states the option of using federal funds to extend health coverage to approximately 41,000 pregnant women who meet the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) income guidelines each year.
“The March of Dimes looks forward to a Mother’s Day when all women have the medical care they need for a healthy pregnancy and birth,” said Dr. Howse.
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com, its Spanish Web site at www.nacersano.org, or call 1-888-MODIMES.
