Maternal and Child Health Problems

Abstract

In spite of impressive declines in childhood mor tality during the first half of the century, the infant mortality rate of the United States occupies an increasingly unfavorable place among those of nations whose over-all economic develop ment is comparable during the past decade. The United States maternal and childhood mortality rates of the less- privileged segments of society occupy an increasingly un favorable place compared with those of the more privileged. These events are a reflection of the static or increasing propor tion of the population which has not participated in the post war affluence of the majority. Poverty and its attendant circumstances are sources of increased health hazards, some of which can be prevented or ameliorated by comprehensive health care services of high quality. However, the existing structure, co-ordination, and administration of such services in the United States militates against such a possibility. More attention must be given to total social planning and the philo sophical framework from which it derives. Present United States infant mortality rates should be viewed and discussed as a serious national and political problem. Concern for the prob lem should not remain, as it has during the postwar period, within the province of compartmentalized government bu reaucracies and the socially oriented professional disciplines.