Maternal and child health and health care reform.
Women and children, because of particular characteristics and vulnerabilities, should be afforded special attention in health care reform. Health care reform provides an opportunity to positively affect the maternal and child health (MCH) status. Universal coverage of a comprehensive benefit package must be combined with a strong public health system of population-based services if benefits are to be realized. There must be an accountable public locus of responsibility for promoting MCH, including clear authority and resources for four primary activities: (1) core public health, (2) systems development, (3) coordinated services for children with special health care needs, and (4) access to care.