Better Management and More Resources Needed To Strengthen Federal Efforts To Improve Pregnancy Outcome

The federal government, along with state and local health agencies, has a number of health care programs directed at preventing or better timing pregnancies and improving the health and well-being of mothers and infants. However, a comprehensive national strategy for using and coordinating funds and staff involved in these numerous and fragmented programs is lacking. Federal funds have been inadequate for extending health care services to all areas and to all of those in need, while some areas have duplicate projects.