Tom Balsanek: Pro-lifers need to protect lives

Pro-lifers need to protect lives

In the July 17 Point of View “To help children, expand Medicaid for parents,” the writers discussed the benefits to children’s health by having their parents receive health insurance. Their focus was on the disadvantaged whose parents are not receiving health insurance through the Medicaid program that would be available to them if North Carolina expanded Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act.

What struck me was when they discussed closing the health coverage gap to reduce infant mortality. “The infant mortality rate correlates with women’s health statewide – a baby is much more likely to be born healthy if her mother is healthy. Statewide, 22 percent of infant deaths are related to prematurity and low birth weight, and 16 percent are related to maternal factors and complications of pregnancy.”

Interestingly, the General Assembly and governor are so willing to save an infant from what they see as an unjustifiable death as a result of an abortion. Yet, they are willing to let children die before or at birth because of their reluctance to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act for those in real need.

It seems to me that if one is pro-life, then all avenues should be open to ensure infant mortality is reduced.

This story was originally published July 27, 2015 at 5:52 PM with the headline "Tom Balsanek: Pro-lifers need to protect lives."