Presents documentation of behavioral contributions to fetal and infant damage, disease, and death. Suggestions are made for interventive strategies for social workers to use at the policy, program, and case levels to help improve the outcome of pregnancy. A review of the literature is also included. (Author/JAC)

The socioeconomic factors leading to the high level of infant mortality in the South, among teenage mothers, and among women living in poverty are discussed. The federal 1987 Budget Reconciliation Bill will expand Medicaid to cover poor pregnant women and young children. Expansion of such programs more than pays for itself. (PS)