title: Social policy considerations in perinatal social work.
abstract: Infant mortality has been a major problem in the United States for many years. Despite recent improvements, it continues to be a major social and economic problem. This is particularly true in non-white populations, where the infant mortality rate is significantly higher. This article discusses some of the reasons for the continued high rate of infant mortality, with particular attention to barriers which, if removed, might improve the health of newborn infants. How social workers can use this information in advocacy efforts is then explored in an effort to involve social workers more directly in this pressing national problem.
authors.affiliation: West Park Hospital, Cody, WY 82414, USA.
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Mahan
mesh_terms: D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D018743:Perinatal Care; D011640:Public Policy; D012947:Social Work; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology