Maternal Health and Infant Survival.

The study examined medical and social services to pregnant women, newborns and their families in 10 European countries and suggested implications for policy and practice in the United States. The 10 countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom) tend toward better birth weights and infant survival than does the United States. Important demographic differences between the United States and Western Europe are highlighted and include substantially lower rates of teenage pregnancy, abortion and childbearing in Europe. Key reasons for better European performance are identified as: (1) easily understood and available provider systems; (2) removal of all barriers (especially economic) to services; and (3) linking of prenatal care to comprehensive social and financial benefits. Financing systems for health care varied among countries with insurance and social security programs predominant. Individual chapters look at study purpose, method and sources, national characteristics, maternity related services and benefits, considerations for U.S. policy, conclusion and national synopses. It is concluded that the issue of infant survival is neither medical nor financial but political. (DB)