Putting women and children first; priorities for the future of America

The vast majority of poor people in the United States today are women and children. Harmful effects of poverty include unequal access to maternal and child health services and significantly poorer health status, disrupted family life, and the marginalization of millions of young people. The U.S. must put into place a comprehensive, universal family policy which will protect the health and well-being of all women, children and, indeed, of all families.