Maternity

The Department of Labor issued its first report on one of its latest Labors—or relatively one of its latest Labors. In November, 1921, Congress passed a Maternity and Infancy Act. On March 20, 1922, the first funds became available. The report covers the following 15 months of work.

The Act is administered by six people who comprise the Division of Maternity and Infant Hygiene of the Children’s Bureau of the Department of Labor. The Bureau disseminates authoritative information on maternity and infant hygiene, and it furnishes funds with which States carry on the active work within their borders. There are various conditions on which this financial aid is given. Some is given outright; some must be matched by an equal appropriation from the State.

During the 15 months’ period under report, $1,046,523 was dispersed by the Federal Government and $641,523 by States in coÖperation with the Federal agency.

In 1922, payments were made to 43 States, 28 of which matched the Federal appropriation in whole or in part.

In 1923, grants were made to 41 States, 35 of which matched the Federal appropriation in whole or in part.

At the present time, Acts of State Legislatures enable all the States except Kansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut to coÖperate.

The Bureau sums up the effects of its work as follows:

1) Stimulation of state activities;

2) Maintenance of local responsibility and initiative;

3) Improvement of the quality of the work done because of the central clearing house of information;

4) Increase of state appropriations for the work in 33 States.

The actual activities undertaken by States include: “employment of physicians, public health nurses, dentists, dietitians, health teachers and social workers on staffs of health departments; education of the public through lectures, demonstrations, exhibits, films, etc.; maternity consultations or centres; mothers’ classes, correspondence courses and other forms of educational work for mothers; training and supervision of midwives; health conferences; dental clinics; nutrition classes; inspection of maternity and children’s homes. Much of the work has been directed toward taking to the rural mother and baby the health facilities which the city mother has had for some time.”