Initiative seeks to stop elective premature births

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Health officials have begun an initiative to try and prevent elective premature births.

The Courier-Journal reports partners in the venture include the March of Dimes, the Kentucky Department for Public Health, the state's Medicaid managed care organizations and several hospitals across the state.

The Kentucky Hospital Association is also involved and has started a program designed to limit early elective deliveries to 3 percent or less by the end of next year. The goal was set by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

KHA project director, nurse Donna Meador, says the KHA network has 16 hospitals that are part of the project. She said the average rate now for elective premature births at the participating hospitals in her networks is 12 percent.

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