WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., AUGUST 24, 2004 -- African American women are nearly twice as likely to have a baby born prematurely as Caucasian women. In fact, approximately 100,000 African American newborns in the U.S. are affected each year by this common, costly and serious problem.

Earlier this month the issue of premature birth was addressed in a prematurity symposium at the National Medical Association's 2004 Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly (NMA) held in San Diego. The NMA is the largest and oldest national organization representing the interests of African American physicians and the patients they serve in the U.S.

At the session, attended by over 100 NMA OB/GYNs from across the country, Dr. Diane Ashton, Associate Medical Director at the March of Dimes, presented an overview of the common, complex problem of prematurity. She examined racial disparities among African American women, the current trends and risk factors associated with this disorder and then reviewed the March of Dimes goals and aims for its five-year national campaign against this growing public health concern. Brian Maidrand, the March of Dimes Ambassador in the San Diego area told his family's tragic story. About three years ago, his wife delivered a baby at 26 weeks. The infant was placed in the neonatal intensive care unit for 105 days before he was able to come home. More recently, Brian's wife became pregnant with twins. She experienced a similar problem and once again delivered early. In this case, the consequences were dire. Both infants died within 24 hours of birth.