What are the key milestones in the history of maternal, newborn, and child health and health care.

Forsyth Tech| Nursing | Forsyth Tech

Over the years, there have been many important milestones in maternal, child, and newborn health. The Social Security Act of 1935 established the public health system which provided access to mothers for prenatal care. Medicaid was introduced in 1952 to cover childbirth costs for people who lived more than 2 miles from hospitals. This led to a greater use of the facilities.

The Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant was signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. This grant expanded the access of disadvantaged families to services such as family planning and home visits. Following the introduction of vaccines in 1970, infant mortality rates from preventable diseases like pertussis or measles decreased dramatically. Congress also approved legislation in 1990 that allows states to offer Medicaid coverage regardless of the income level for women who are pregnant. The result was an increase in immunizations rates across America. Thus it is evident that advances made throughout history have had tremendous impacts on improving women’s and children’s health outcomes worldwide.