CALIFORNIA: Davis’ Decision on Prenatal Care a ‘Wise’ One
"It is difficult to imagine a medical or financial downside to the quiet decision by Gov. Gray Davis to ensure the future of public funding for prenatal care to poor illegal immigrant women," a Bakersfield Californian editorial says. Calling Davis' move to void Proposition 187 a "wise decision," the editorial notes that prenatal care, "which usually costs less than $1,000 per pregnancy, generally results in reduced neonatal emergencies and chronic infant and childhood diseases. Treating these tragic consequences cost much more than the costs of providing prenatal care, so taxpayers also will benefit." The editorial asserts that it "is hoped that Davis' action will benefit more than illegal immigrant women. Proposition 187 and its attempts to place limits on participation in public programs had a chilling effect on legal immigrants" as well. The editorial concludes, "Denying prenatal care to the poor makes no sense -- medical, financial, legal or moral" (8/9).
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