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32
Means for Preventing Mortality in Childbirth
and in Infancy.
1. The Need for Pre.natal Clinics.—Tlie following
figures speak for themselves. Of all "conceptions" 10
per cent, are lost through abortion or other accident
before the sixth month of gestation and approximately 4
per cent, are still.born, that is, they had reached such a stage of
development where'independent life was possible, and 5 percent,
die within a few weeks of birth. Thus close on 20 per cent, or
one in five are lost through errors and defects in the nutrition
of the child during its developmental period. This mortality
is unfortunately extremely heavy on the males. The ratio for
all conceptions is 125 males per 100 females, whilst at birth it
is only 106 to 100 females, a fact of great significance at the
present time, when large numbers of our best manhood are
being sacrificed for the sake of national honour.
2. Financial Assistance.—Grants to the extent of 50
per cent, of actual expenditure will be refunded by the Local
Government Board for such work as has been approved by
them, and such as comes strictly under t(he scope of their circular
of July, 1914. All grants, whether for expenditure incurred
by the Authority or by voluntary agencies in the district
will be paid through the Council.
3. Work to be undertaken in connection with
Plaistow Maternity Charity.—This will comprise the
following: —
(a) Pre.natal.—The compilation of a register of expectant
mothers, based on returns from the Certified Mid.
wives in the district.