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. 2016 Nov;121(4):222-226.
doi: 10.1080/03009734.2016.1204395. Epub 2016 Sep 20.

Advancing preconception health in the United States: strategies for change

Sarah Verbiest  1   2   3 , Erin McClain  1   2 , Suzanne Woodward  1   2
Affiliations

Advancing preconception health in the United States: strategies for change

Sarah Verbiest et al. Ups J Med Sci. 2016 Nov.

Abstract

In January 2015, the US Preconception Health and Health Care Initiative (PCHHC) established a new national vision that all women and men of reproductive age will achieve optimal health and wellness, fostering a healthy life course for them and any children they may have. Achieving this vision presents both challenges and opportunities. This manuscript describes the reasons why the US needs to prioritize preconception health as well as its efforts historically to advance change. The authors share lessons from past work and current strategies in the US to reach this ambitious goal.

Keywords: Family planning; infant mortality; interconception; life planning; maternal mortality; preconception; preconception care; preconception health; reproductive health.

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