The March of Dimes advocates for maternal and child health programs at the local, state, federal and international levels. The advocacy agenda includes policies and programs that relate to the March of Dimes mission -improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. The four categories for March of Dimes advocacy efforts, with specific examples of activities in each area, are listed below. These priorities are consistent with 2000 Top Priorities for the March of Dimes and anticipated legislative and regulatory initiatives in 2000. Expanding health insurance coverage for pregnant women through S-CHIP .
Key issues are inclusion of prenatal care, labor and delivery services for mothers.
Medicaid improvements for pregnant women, infants and children. Standards to protect the health of mothers and children enrolled in managed health care plans. Initiatives to prohibit genetic discrimination in health insurance, and to protect patient privacy. Federal and state funding for prenatal and child health care and regulations pertaining to newborn screening. Research to Prevent Birth Defects and Infant Mortality Birth defect surveillance and research programs at the state, federal and international levels.