BABY CARE PROGRAM WILL SAVE LIVES AND DOLLARS

The state of Missouri is telling mothers to baby their babies. Gov. John Ashcroft announced this week a program aimed at increasing maternal and child health services. It's an issue that deserves statewide attention.

Last year, 13,000 Missouri mothers either did not have a checkup until after their fourth month of pregnancy or did not have a sufficient number of exams before delivering their babies. That means these mothers-to-be walked into an emergency room, ready to deliver, with no previous medical history. That leaves doctors and staff unprepared for difficult births.

The result cost Missourians the lives of precious infants.

The numbers reveal devast~ating losses. Last year, 795 infants died before their first birthday in Missouri. That's a figure Missouri's Department of Health director says is unacceptable. Adding to the tragedy is the fact simple prenatal and baby care may have saved a number of these babies.

Low-birth weight babies that were saved also costs Missouri much in terms of skyrocketing medical costs. Care of these infants can run up to $100,000 a month. If uncompensated, these medical costs are borne by all Missourians in the form of higher medical costs and insurance premiums.

The first phase of the "Baby Your Baby" program is informational. Public service messages will reach out to expectant women across the state. A toll-free number will also provide women with information on services provided in the communities.

The second phase of the program will offer coupons for baby needs and personal care items. The hitch is these coupons can only be redeemed after women make pregnancy care visits.

Success will not be measured overnight. It will require a concerted effort by both public and private resources to reduce Missouri's infant mortality rate. Early and regular care for expectant women can make a real difference. This program can save lives and dollars, and should benefit all Missourians.