National Petition for Preemies
The March of Dimes and mothers from all over the US launched the 2008 Petition for Preemies last October 17. This is in anticipation of the Prematurity Awareness Month this coming November.
This National Petition for Preemies urges/calls:
- the US federal government “to increase support for prematurity-related research and data collection as recommended by the Institute of Medicine and the Surgeon General’s Conference on the Prevention of Preterm Birth.”
- legislators and policy makers at the state and federal levels to facilitate access to health insurance coverage for women of childbearing age as well as include smoking cessation strategies in maternity care.
- hospitals, clinics, and maternity health care providers “to voluntarily assess and C-sections and inductions that occur prior to 39 weeks gestation to ensure consistency with professional guidelines.” This is to try and reverse US’ increasing premature birth rates (see previous post).
- companies and employers to create workplaces that are favourable for maternal and infant health and well-being.
In addition, the petition also has a list of 14 recommended standards for a family-friendly workplace which you can access here. The list includes among others insurance coverage and flexibility in working times as well as possibilities for telecommuting for mothers and mothers-to-be.
Interested in signing up? Then click on this link. Remember, every signature makes a difference!
The petition is also supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, the National Business Group on Health.
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