October 4, 2007, Washington, D.C.: Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, President of the March of Dimes, issued the following statement concerning the announcement that the National Children's Study demonstration project will be expanded into a full-scale, nationwide study:
“At the March of Dimes, our mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The National Children's Study will make a vital contribution to that mission in a number of important ways, beginning with pregnancy-related outcomes, a targeted area of the Study.
“Within our nation, there are significant disparities in maternal and infant health among different ethnic and racial groups. The National Children's Study, which is designed to draw participants from diverse ethnic, economic and regional areas, will help identify the underlying reasons for these health disparities and point us toward ways to achieve more equitable outcomes.
“In particular, we expect the Study to be a rich source of data on the causes of birth defects and premature birth, including – but not limited to -- the role that diabetes and pre-diabetic conditions may play in birth defects, and the impact of infection and inflammation in stimulating pre-term delivery.
“By following 100,000 children from diverse backgrounds through gestation, infancy, childhood, adolescence and young adulthood, the National Children's Study will generate a much needed detailed health portrait of our nation. That portrait will support of the work of research scientists and clinicians in their efforts to improve the health of future generations.
“Continued support for this important study requires that all interested groups and individuals work with Congress and the Administration to secure needed funding. At the March of Dimes, we are fully committed to seeing the Study through and we will continue to participate as leaders in this effort.”
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