Why We Need a Policy Change (Part III)

Another potential impact this bill can have on women and their families is:

3) To decrease the number of low birth weight babies born in the United States.

In 2005, 8.2% of all newborns were low birth weight (less than 5.5 lbs), the highest percentage since the early 1970s.

Babies who are very low birth weight (less than 3lbs, 4oz) have a 25% chance of dying before age one.

Low birth weight babies are at an increased risk for long-term disability and impaired development, more likely to experience delayed motor and social development, and are more likely to be enrolled in special education classes or to repeat a grade than those babies born at a normal weight.

Info from: http://www.childtrendsdatabank.org/indicators/57LowBirthweight.cfm