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["clanSkeen" <sgian AT planetc.com>]

> Here's a wrenching fact: If the U.S. had an infant mortality rate as good 
> as Cuba's, we would save an additional 2,212 American babies a year.
>
> Yes, Cuba's. Babies are less likely to survive in America, with a health 
> care system that we think is the best in the world,

"Best in the world" is measured by one thing alone:  how much money we 
spend - how expensive it is..... not by how effective it is.  This is much 
like states are ranked as being 1st or 46th in education.. it's measured 
entirely by how much money is spent.

In the US the medical industry is geared *first* to keeping the doctor and 
hospital from being sued, not on patient outcome.  Obstetrics epitomizes 
this.  All of the invasive tests and soaring C-section rates are to keep the 
doctor from being sued, not because it's better for the health of the baby 
or mother.

People in the US are increasingly becoming out-of-breath, waddling tubs.  It 
is dangerous to have a baby when your own health is thus compromises.  The 
OB's know there is absolutely nothing they can do about that.  They know 
that no matter what they do or say, their patients are not going to get into 
good overall shape so they play the ball where it lies.

James