Legislation May Help Prevent Premature Birth

When it comes to providing access to prenatal care, especially to low-income moms, the state of Arizona ranks in the bottom 10 percent. Unfortunately, women who don't receive adequate prenatal care are more likely to give birth prematurely.

Premature birth is the leading cause of death in newborns, and those who survive often suffer permanent disability such as cerebral palsy, respiratory conditions, and blindness.

These conditions result in excessive hospital bills—and not just in the short term. As a result, families of babies born prematurely usually feel overwhelmed financially and emotionally.

Senator Barbara Leff recently introduced new legislation intended to improve the state of prenatal care in Arizona and prevent premature birth—and the devastating consequences that come along with it.

The Arizona legislature unanimously approved Senate Bill 1361 earlier this month, ensuring that low-income mothers will get the prenatal care they need to deliver healthy, full-term babies.

If your baby was born with cerebral palsy and suspect medical malpractice is to blame, please contact a cerebral palsy attorney to learn more about your eligibility to obtain financial reimbursement.