The Impact of Federal Legislation on Maternal and Child Health Services in the United States

Abstract

The reciprocal relationships between developments in maternal and child health legislation at the federal level and those at state and local levels are examined critically. The paper traces the sources of preventive health ser vices in maternity and infant care, school health services, and sick-child care in France, Germany, and England, respectively, and suggests that these three streams have remained largely independent of each other over the years in the United States. It examines the historical backgrounds and sig nificance for the future of recent changes in the organizational structure of maternal and child health services within the federal government. The current scene in maternal and child health is assessed. Recommendations are made to help insure (1) that the developmental needs of children are met within the evolving forms of comprehensive health services for all ages; (2) that the health needs of children are not overlooked as part of early child hood care or ancillary to education at all levels; and (3) that health concerns receive adequate consideration in social measures for mothers and children.