Trends during the 1980s are described including high infant mortality, no decline in low birthweight percentages, an increase in the black-white infant mortality gap, more high-risk pregnancies, and inadequate prenatal care. Inadequate progress in reducing infant mortality is attributed in part to the limited technological ability to save increasingly smaller infants. Graphs compare infant mortality by race, cause of death, and in different countries and states. Low birthweight is designated the most significant factor in determining infant death and disability. Data is presented projecting cost savings from preventing low birthweight. Graphs compare low birthweight percentages by race and to infant mortality percentages. Higher black infant mortality rates are attributed to poverty and lack of access to health care. Data on low birthweight percentages and infant, neonatal, and postneonatal mortality rates by race is presented graphically. Also documented is the increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes associated with known risk factors. The increasing number of women receiving inadequate prenatal care is attributed primarily to lack of finances, health insurance, or Medicaid services. Racial differences in the number of women receiving inadequate and early prenatal care are found. An argument is made for the cost effectiveness of providing funds for health care. Contains 124 end notes and 22 references. (RM)