Practices such as use of ultrasound and continuous electronic fetal monitoring for healthy women without appropriate medical reasons have been shown to be of no benefit. They also cost millions of health care dollars that could be better spent providing increased access to prenatal care for poor women. When technological interventions are needed, they should be appropriate and the risks and benefits should be thoroughly explained to the woman and her family so they can give an informed consent. Safe Motherhood requires support, involvement and commitment from each workplace, community and the nation to fairly allocate resources that promote the health of all women and infants. Safe Motherhood recognizes that all parts of our society must be involved in improving the health of its citizens.
Health depends on far more than the health care system.
Business, financial institutions, government, education, religious organizations and the media are examples of organizations that influence people's health. No matter how good the health care system is, many people in this country will not be healthy unless all parts of society work to eliminate causes of poor health. We must place a priority on promoting the health of women. This is especially important for childbearing families, since the future of the nation is dependent upon raising healthy children who become responsible, contributing members of society. The Women's Health Data Book, 2nd Ed.