Health Law

March of Dimes Issues First Premature Birth Report Card

November 12th is Prematurity Awareness Day, and the March of Dimes has released its first annual Premature Birth Report Card to draw attention to a serious issue that affects hundreds of thousands of families each year.

More than half a million babies are born prematurely (prior to 37 weeks gestation) every year in the United States, and these infants face great health risks and threats such as jaundice,  blindness, hypothermia, cerebral palsy and permanent disability.

Failing Grades

The March of Dimes specifically examined factors that contribute to preterm birth and opportunities for prevention, grading each state according to clinical practices, access to healthcare and maternal education, among other things.

As a whole, the nation earned a “D” and so did 23 states. Eighteen states and Washington D.C. failed, eight earned a “C,” and only one state, Vermont, earned a “B.”

“It is unacceptable that our nation is failing so many preterm babies,” said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, March of Dimes president.

Solutions, Prevention & Quality Doctor Care

Based on its findings, the March of Dimes is seeking:

• Improved care and outcomes for preterm infants
• Review of C-section births to ensure established professional guidelines are met
• Research into causes and prevention of premature birth

While doctors cannot always stop preterm labor, it is their duty to provide quality care to reduce the risks to the infant. Sometimes conditions like cerebral palsy can be prevented – for instance, when severe jaundice in a newborn isn’t diagnosed and treated in a timely manner.

Always seek the advice of a legal or medical professional if you think doctor negligence resulted in harm to your child.


 

Full post as published by Cerebral Palsy Law Blog on November 13, 2008 (boomark / email).