5.993 Unintended Pregnancies:
Individuals with an unintended pregnancy are less likely to seek early prenatal care and could expose the fetus to harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. Harmful exposure and the lack of early prenatal care can lead to low birth weight newborns due to premature birth and/or growth retardation in utero. Low birth weight is the most important risk factor for infant morbidity and mortality, and infant mortality is commonly used as a health status indicator of the population. Unfortunately, this country has an infant mortality rate that is higher than most industrialized countries.
The Medical Society of the State of New York supports requiring any prescription drug plans offered by insurance companies and health maintenance organizations to cover the cost of prescriptive contraceptives. Furthermore, the Medical Society supports direct access for women to obstetric and gynecologic services. (White Paper on Women’s Health Initiatives Council 11/2/00; Modified and reaffirmed HOD 2014; Modified and reaffirmed HOD 2024).
