A tribute to the first lady of public health (Martha M. Eliot). IV. Concepts and content of maternal and infant care projects from a national viewpoint.

Abstract

The 1963 maternity and infant care program and the 1965 amendments providing for maternal and child health projects (MCH) were established to improve the health of low-income families. Sharp differences continue between income classes in the rate of decline in infant and maternal mortality. Although in 1964 the maternal death rate declined from 8.3% to 3.3%/10,0O0, cities of 500,000 or more had a mortality rate 37% higher than the national rate. Mortality rates of 70% or higher were recorded in Washington, D. C, New York, and St. Louis. Infant mortality rates follow the same pattern and are due to inadequate prenatal care, premature birth, poor nutrition and other factors correlated with low income. The 1963 and 1965 legislation and the medicare amendments provide hospitalization for the poor, eliminating to some extent the dependence on substandard, outpatient care. Of the 30 MCH projects approved to date, 8 are located in the 10 largest cities with the highest infant mortality rates and 9 are in rural areas. The content of the programs and administrative methods vary according to the needs of the people involved.