To start, the act ensures that all women who are pregnant or might be pregnant get a full range of pre-natal care, including folic acid supplements. It also mandates educational materials on birth defects in English and Spanish on public websites. Finally, it requires hospitals to provide information about what you need to know when your baby is born with a birth defect.
The act includes educational materials on birth defects by providing information for parents about the risks associated with specific types of birth defects due to genetic disorders.
While ignorance may be bliss, it’s not always the best policy for parents expecting their first child or those that have already experienced something like this before. By informing yourself beforehand and taking preventive measures through legislation such as the Birth Defect Prevention Act, there are more options available to families in need of support. Health care providers can offer guidance on how help manage risks associated with specific types of defects due to genetic disorders (i.e., Down syndrome).
