Background

• The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies  by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. We recognize the value of health care in reducing the risks of birth defects, low birth weight, premature births, and infant mortality
• The Commonwealth’s low-income population has one of the highest rates of uninsuranced. The proportion of families without health insurance living at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is close to or exceeds 20 %.
• During 2004-2006 (average), about 1 in 6 women of childbearing age (17.3%) was uninsured in Virginia.
• When women of childbearing age who do not have access to health care before becoming pregnant can carry pre-existing conditions into their pregnancies.  Complication from diabetes, high blood pressure, low grade infections and substance abuse have all been linked to low birthweight, premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.
• A baby who is born on time has hospital cost ranging from $2800 - $43,000.  Baby needing the services of a special care nursery (a neonatal intensive care unit) may incur costs of a minimum of $41,000 or more when born too early or too sick..

March of Dimes Policy

The March of dimes supports access to health care for women of childbearing age, infants, and children. We support federal and state policies regarding health coverage including Medicaid, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), other publicly supported coverage, as well as private insurance to protect and improve access to and quality of health care.

Legislation That Could Help

HB1190 Infant Mortality Prevention Act - Requires certain measures designed to lower the infant mortality rate in the Commonwealth, including: (i) expanding FAMIS eligibility for pregnant women with an income level up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level and providing coverage for one year postpartum; (ii) prohibiting the state from charging co-payments for prenatal services for state employees; (iii) designating a senior employee of the Department of Health as coordinator for the state's home visitation programs designed to limit infant mortality; (iv) giving the Department of Social Services responsibility for coordinating efforts among faith-based organizations working to reduce infant mortality; and (v) requiring the Commissioner of Health to launch a public education campaign aimed at preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Recommendation

March of Dimes recommends funding FAMIS Moms at 200% FPL through HB 1190.  This expansion to the program would cover an additional 800 woman with maternity care coverage in Virginia.

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Background

Exposure to secondhand smoke by non-smoking pregnant women may lead to premature birth, according to the US Surgeon General’s June 2006 report, The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke.  The Institute of Medicine released a report on Preterm Birth: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention in July 2006 which state that preterm birth is the leading cause of death among neonates (first 28 days of life).  Tobacco smoke is listed in the report as an environmental toxicant contributing to preterm births.  Exposure of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke cannot be controlled by air cleaning or mechanical air exchange.

March of Dimes Policy

The March of Dimes supports legislative and regulatory action to reduce exposure to tobacco smoke by women of child bearing age (especially those who are pregnant) and infants in public places.

Legislation That Could Help

HB500, SB298 Smoke Free Air Act; smoking in public places - Virginia Smoke Free Air Act; smoking in public places; civil penalties. Moves the law restricting smoking in buildings and other enclosed areas from the title relating to local government (15.2) to the title relating to health (32.1) and prohibits smoking indoors in most buildings or enclosed areas frequented by the public. Exceptions are provided.  The bill requires the posting of "No Smoking" signs inside and at the entrances of areas where smoking is prohibited. Any person who continues to smoke in an area in which smoking is prohibited will be subject to a civil penalty.

Recommendations

The March of Dimes recommends approval of the Smoke Free Air Act, SB298.  The March of Dimes sees this as a protection for women of childbearing, pregnant women and their babies and children.