LETTERS: NEW LAW HELPS ENSURE MORE HEALTHY BABIES

To the editor:

Great thanks is owed to U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson for her support of the Children's Health Act of 2000. President Clinton signed this bill into law earlier this month. The impetus behind this legislation was the Healthy Kids legislation, which Emerson supported last year.

Passage of this bill was a legislative priority for the March of Dimes, because the act contains many provisions that will increase the federal commitment to the research and prevention of birth defects.

I have seen the rising statistics for babies in our area born with devastating birth defects and babies born too early and too small. For moms and dads, the joy of knowing their baby is born healthy is almost beyond words. The tracking, analysis and education that this new law will provide could ensure that more parents know that feeling as more babies are born healthy.

MICHAEL SEABAUGH

Board of Directors Chairman

Greater Missouri Chapter

Southeast Division

March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation

Cape Girardeau