The Issue: Underinsured Mothers Risk Health Complications

In 2008, only 76.1 percent of live births in Kansas were to women who received adequate prenatal care, according to the March of Dimes. Furthermore, in 2007 Kansas saw a high average of infant deaths––142.9 for every 100,000 live births––mostly due to prematurity or low birth weight. Prenatal care is indispensable in preventing these tragedies and ensuring the overall health of mothers and children. The Office on Women's Health reports that through lab tests, health-care professionals can detect threatening maternal issues such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, allowing time for treatment before the delivery process causes transference.

The Campaign: Lab Tests to Ensure Healthy Pregnancies

If this Grassroots campaign raises $400, then JayDoc Free Clinic can fund lab tests for four women, enough for the duration of a healthy pregnancy. Each additional $100 raised will fund lab tests for an additional woman's pregnancy. Though pregnancy services are always free at the clinic, increased funding will allow the staff to attend to more pregnant women than it is currently able to. Throughout their pregnancies, women undergo testing to monitor their statuses and treat communicable diseases before their children's births. Education is an important part of these visits, ensuring that patients know how to care for themselves and for their growing children. Following delivery, the clinic will attend to patients to foster proper recovery and continue education.

You can follow the progress of this and other Grassroots campaigns at the Groupon Grassroots website.