................................................................................ JAMES C. DAWSON, A.A., B.A., M.S., Ph.D. ................................................................. ROBERT M. JOHNSON, B.S., J.D. ...................................................................................... ANTHONY S. BOTTAR, B.A., J.D. .................................................................................... MERRYL H. TISCH, B.A., M.A. ........................................................................................ GERALDINE D. CHAPEY, B.A., M.A., Ed.D.
Several important indicators of maternal and child health, such as incidence of low birth weight and receipt of prenatal care, have not shown desired improvements. Moreover, the percentage of babies born to teenage mothers and the number of pregnant women who used one or more illegal substances during their pregnancies have increased. On this occasion, therefore, we renew our commitment to promoting maternal and child health— beginning with high quality prenatal care throughout pregnancy. Although government cannot fulfill the primary responsibility of parents in caring for their children, officials at \he Federal, State, and local levels have been working with health care professionals and other members of the private sector to help pregnant women protect the lives of their unborn children through proper nutrition and prenatal care. Prenatal care is especially important for women who are at increased medical or social risk.